Colloidal nickel(0)-carboxymethyl cellulose particles: A biopolymer-inorganic catalyst for hydrogenation of nitro-aromatics and carbonyl compounds

Colloidal solution of nickel(0) in carboxymethyl cellulose showed good catalytic efficiency in hydrogenation of aromatic nitro compounds, as well as aliphatic and aromatic ketones in aqueous medium yielding the respective aromatic amines and alcohols in excellent yield along with moderate to good reusability of the catalyst. The catalyst was isolated and characterized by powder XRD, EDX, SEM and TEM studies. The active phase of the catalyst consists of nickel nanoparticles entrapped in carboxymethyl cellulose (Col-Ni-CMC Nps). The ecofriendly synthesis was performed in water at room temperature by NaBH4 reduction of nickel chloride in the presence of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC).

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► Colloidal Ni synthesized from NiCl2 and stabilized by sodium carboxy-methyl cellulose
► Col-Ni-CMC nanoparticles with diameter range of 89.5 nm
► Catalyst for hydrogenation of aromatic nitro groups and aromatic ketones in aqueous medium
► Synthesis of aromatic amines and aromatic alcohols in good to excellent yields
► Catalyst acts with moderate to good reusability in both cases.