PNNL

Abstract

N-isopropylacrylamide was utilized as a ligand to affect recoverability into a rhodium hydrogenation catalyst. The catalyst ligand structure was characterized in situ using NMR, XAFS and IR. Model compounds including glycine, cysteamine and methionine methyl ester were also investigated to aid in the interpretation. The investigation revealed a ligand switch from RNH2 to RSR’ when the catalyst is placed in water as opposed to organic solvents. The catalyst continued to transform with time, creating Rh clusters of up to 4 rhodium atoms, with no Rh metal detected. Over the time and solvents investigated, the catalyst ligands evolve from 1-Cl, 1-NH2, and 2-CO’s to 3-Rh, 1-RSR’ and 1-CO. Upon introduction of the alkene for hydrogenation catalysis, the Rh cluster is lost, favoring instead the interaction with the reactant. The kinetics of the hydrogenation reaction were measured using a novel high pressure flow through NMR system and the catalyst was found to have a TOF of 3000/hr at 25 ºC. This work was supported by the Laboratory Directed Research and Development Program at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory operated by Battelle for the U.S. Department of Energy.