Footprint Catalysis. VIII. Molecular Imprinting for Footprint Cavities on an Active Clay Surface

Abstract

Abstract Our molecular imprinting procedures were used for molecular footprint cavities formation on the surface of an amorphous clay mineral. The imprinting with a template, N-benzoylsulfonamide, generated footprint cavities on the surface of Japanese Active Clay (sulfuric acid-treated Japanese Acid Clay). The cavities showed specific catalysis toward transacylation of benzoic anhydride that served as a corresponding substrate. This finding provided an experimental clue to study the adsorption mechanism of the Active Clay surface that has hardly been defined so far. Additionally, our comments on the significance of footprint imprinting in chemical evolution are described briefly.