Phosphine-functionalized ionic liquid-stabilized rhodium nanoparticles for selective hydrogenation of aromatic compounds

•Highly regioselective hydrogenation of aromatic compounds.•Phosphine-functionalized ionic liquids stabilized rhodium nanoparticles as catalysts.•H2 and NaBH4 as reducing agents in the preparation of rhodium nanoparticles.•Mild reaction conditions and high recoverability of catalysts.

Phosphine-functionalized, ionic liquid-stabilized rhodium nanoparticles with an average size of about 3.5 nm are very active catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of aromatic compounds, including quinoline and its analogues, and aromatic nitro compounds. Their catalytic performance complements that of classic homogeneous and heterogeneous rhodium catalysis.

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