Catalytic Hydrogenation by Pentacyanocobaltate(II)

Abstract

A variety of substrates have been catalytically hydrogenated at room temperature and 1-atm. hydrogen pressure by pentacyanocobaltate(ll) anion. Conjugation is required for the reduction of C=C bonds. The effects of detailed molecular structure on reducibility and of cyanide-cobalt ratio on mode of reduction have been noted. Poisoning and reactivation of the catalyst as well as the effect of alkali are described, and mechanisms are tentatively proposed for these phenomena. It is concluded that the aging reaction of pentacyanocobaltate(ll) is reversible. A dimerization of acrylic acids at elevated temperatures was found.