Hydrogenation of nitrobenzene using polymer anchored Pd(II) complexes as catalyst

Abstract

Polymer anchored metal complex catalysts of Pd(II) were synthesized using styrene divinyl benzene (PS–DVB) co-polymer of two different crosslinking (2% and 8%) by sequential attachment of chloromethyl group, bidentate ligand and treating the functionalized polymer with the metal chloride solution. The supports and the catalysts were characterized using conventional techniques as well as the spectroscopic methods such as UV-Vis reflectance, IR and DTA-TG analysis. Other physico chemical properties such as bulk density, moisture content, surface area by BET method and swelling of the catalysts in different solvents have also been studied. The morphology of the catalysts was seen using scanning electron microscope. A probable structure of the catalyst formed on polymer matrix was proposed on the basis of the above studies. The synthesized catalysts were tested for their catalytic activity for the hydrogenation of nitrobenzene as a model reaction. The influence on the rate of various factors such as the amount of catalysts, concentration of the substrate and temperature of the system has been studied. The recycling efficiency of catalysts has also been studied.