Rh nanoparticles stabilized by PEG-substituted triphenyl-phosphine: A highly active and recyclable catalyst for aqueous biphasic hydrogenation of benzene

Abstract

Rh nanoparticles stabilized by PEG-substituted triphenyl-phosphine (PETPP, P[C 6H 4- p-(OCH 2CH 2) n OH] 3) combining double stabilization effects demonstrated high activity and good recyclability in aqueous biphasic hydrogenation of benzene. The value of turnover frequency (TOF) was 3333 h −1. Furthermore, the rhodium nanoparticle catalyst could be easily recycled for five times without loss in activity.