Homogeneous olefin hydrogenation over oxidized rhodium complexes

Abstract

Hydrogenation of the previously reported oxides obtained from oxidation of [Rh(Ph₃P)Cl] in ethanol and benzene gives materials capable of olefin hydrogenation but double-bond isomerization occurs during the reaction: hydrogenation of these species in the presence of Ph₃P gives catalysts which are not only much more active toward olefin hydrogenation but also inhibit isomerization.