Structure and Reactivity of Aromatic Polymers/Ruthenium Catalysts

Abstract

Previously prepared (J. Mol. Catalysis 11, 353 (1981)) polystyrene/ruthenium systems have been examined by EXAFS, TEM, IR and Raman spectroscopy. A structure based on small metal clusters bound to the polymer by single ruthenium-arene binding is proposed. The general validity of the approach has been confirmed by preparing a similar product when starting with poly-1- vinylnaphthalene in the place of polystyrene. Both systems are active for the hydrogenation of a large variety of unsaturated groups such as olefinic double bonds, mononuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, nitriles, nitroaromatic compounds and oximes. Catalytic activity, chemio- and stereoselectivity are discussed in terms of the proposed structure.