RhNPs/SBA-NH2: a high-performance catalyst for aqueous phase reduction of nitroarenes to aminoarenes at room temperature

Abstract

A RhNPs/SBA-NH₂ catalyst with <3 nm sized rhodium nanoparticles has been synthesized using amine functionalized SBA-15 (SBA-NH₂) as support, rhodium acetyl acetonate as a Rh precursor and sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) as a reducing agent. RhNPs/SBA-NH₂ effectively reduced the nitroarenes into aminoarenes with nearly 100% conversion and selectivity using in situ produced H₂ from hydrazine hydrate (NH₂–NH₂·H₂O) at room temperature in water medium and the estimated turnover frequency is as high as 6117 h⁻¹.