Rh nanoparticles stabilized by PEG-substituted triphenyl-phosphine: A highly active and recyclable catalyst for aqueous biphasic hydrogenation of benzene

Rh nanoparticles stabilized by PEG-substituted triphenyl-phosphine (PETPP, P[C6H4-p-(OCH2CH2)nOH]3) combining double stabilization effects demonstrated high activity and good recyclability in aqueous biphasic hydrogenation of benzene. The value of turnover frequency (TOF) was 3333 h−1. Furthermore, the rhodium nanoparticle catalyst could be easily recycled for five times without loss in activity.