A Rhodium Triphenylphosphine Catalyst for Alkene Hydrogenation Supported on Neat Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Abstract

A phosphonic acid functionalized triphenylphosphine rhodium complex was synthesized and grafted onto neat superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. The material was investigated by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, XRD, N2-physisorption analyses, and TEM measurements. The obtained hybrid material could be used as a catalyst for the hydrogenation of alkenes with excellent yields and a broad substrate scope. The catalyst can be reused ten times without any loss of activity. According to the results from X-ray absorption spectroscopy, it is likely that formation of Rh nanoparticles occurs during the reaction.