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.