Rh/one-atomic layer GeO2/SiO2 as a new catalyst for ethyl acetate hydrogenation at a low pressure

Article abstract of DOI:10.1246/cl.1997.985

A new Rh/one-atomic layer GeO₂/SiO₂ catalyst was prepared by supporting Rh₆(CO)₁₆ precursor on the one-atomic layer GeO₂/SiO₂ followed by reduction at 423-523 K. The obtained catalyst was active and selective for conversion of ethyl acetate to ethanol by H₂ under mild reaction conditions, whereas Rh/bulk-GeO₂ and Rh/SiO₂ were inactive for this reaction. Rh carbonyl cluster, Rh metal, and RhGe alloy were formed on the one-atomic layer GeO₂/SiO₂ depending on the pre-reduction temperature. A combination of metallic Rh particles and one-atomic layer GeO₂ was most active for the ethanol production.