10.1021/ol902018g
The research investigates the catalytic properties of rhodium nanoparticles supported on carbon nanofibers (Rh/CNFs) for the hydrogenation of arenes, specifically focusing on their tolerance to coexisting epoxido groups. The purpose is to develop a highly active and reusable catalyst for arene hydrogenation that can operate under mild conditions without deactivating or leaching the rhodium species. The key chemicals used include rhodium nanoparticles synthesized from Rh4(CO)12 and various types of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) such as CNF-P, CNF-T, and CNF-H. The study concludes that Rh/CNF-T is a highly efficient and reusable catalyst, achieving turnover frequencies (TOFs) over 1,000 [mol (benzene)/mol (Rh)·h] at room temperature and 7,750 at 75 °C under 4 atm of H2. Importantly, Rh/CNF-T can hydrogenate arenes containing epoxido groups without promoting ring-opening of the epoxido group, maintaining the integrity of the epoxido group in the product. This finding highlights the potential of Rh/CNF-T as a robust catalyst for industrial applications where mild conditions and high selectivity are required.