Solvent-free selective hydrogenation of o-chloronitrobenzene to o-chloroaniline over alumina supported Pt nanoparticles

A supported Pt/Al2O3 catalyst was prepared by immobilizing preformed colloidal Pt nanoparticles on Al2O3. The particle size and size distribution of Pt particles on Al2O3 remained the same as the colloidal nanoparticles. Selective hydrogenation of o-chloronitrobenzene to o-chloroaniline was performed on the as-prepared Pt/Al2O3 nanocatalyst without using any solvent and 88.5% selectivity to o-chloroaniline at 98.2% conversion of o-chloronitrobenzene was achieved. Further catalytic experiments with metal cation modification showed that some metal cations could improve the activity in various degrees while maintaining the high selectivity. Especially, 99.8% selectivity to o-chloroaniline at ~100% conversion was attained with Sn4+.

Graphical abstract100% Conversion and 99.8% selectivity.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide