Mild hydrogenation of quinoline to decahydroquinoline over rhodium nanoparticles entrapped in aluminum oxy-hydroxide

An Rh/AlO(OH) catalyst was prepared by a sol–gel method. This catalyst showed an excellent catalytic performance for the complete hydrogenation of quinoline to decahydroquinoline at relatively mild conditions. The growth of Rh-particle size and the decrease in the number of surface hydroxyl groups during heat treatment resulted in a significant decrease in catalytic properties. The excellent catalytic performance of the fresh Rh/AlO(OH) was attributed to the cooperation between the hydroxyl groups on the support and on the active metal centers.

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► The Rh/AlO(OH) catalyst was firstly used for complete hydrogenation of quinoline
► The catalyst exhibited excellent activity and selectivity under mild conditions
► Hydroxyl groups of the support have a positive influence on the catalytic properties