The Synthesis and Application of Anchored Catalysts in Hydrogen Isotope Exchange Systems. D2 – Protic Solvent Exchange

Abstract

A number of polymer-attached, or anchored, catalysts of rhodium and ruthenium have been synthesized, and their activities for D₂ exchange with ethanol have been measured. Among the rhodium anchored catalysts, three exhibited specific activity comparable to Wilkinson's catalyst, RhCl(PPh₃)₃. No polymer-attached ruthenium species had specific activities close to that of the active homogeneous catalyst RuCl₂(PPh₃)₃. Conditions for the synthesis and optimum loading of complexing resins are discussed. Structural and kinetic comparisons are made between anchored catalysts and their homogeneous analogs.