Rh nanoparticle catalyzed hydrogenation of olefins in thermoregulated ionic liquid and organic biphase system

Rh nanoparticle catalyzed hydrogenation of olefins in a biphase system composed of [CH3(OCH2CH2)16N+Et3][CH3SO3−] (ILPEG750) ionic liquid and organic solvent allows for not only a highly efficient homogeneous catalytic reaction, but also an easy separation and reuse of catalyst attributed to the thermoregulated phase-transition property of the ILPEG750 and organic biphase system. Under the optimized conditions, various alkenes could be hydrogenated to the corresponding alkanes as the sole product with 100% conversion. The Rh nanoparticles can be recovered by simple phase separation and reused for nine times without evident loss of activity.

Graphical abstractWe present a new method for the hydrogenation of olefins catalyzed by Rh nanoparticles in a biphase system composed of [CH3(OCH2CH2)16N+Et3][CH3SO3−] (ILPEG750) ionic liquid and organic solvent. The method allows for not only a highly efficient catalytic hydrogenation reaction, but also an easy separation and reuse of catalyst attributed to the thermoregulated phase-transition property of the ILPEG750 and organic biphase system.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A thermoregulated ionic liquid/organic biphase system with nano-Rh was developed. ► The system can realize homogeneous reaction coupled with biphase separation. ► Nano-Rh was active and recyclable catalyst for hydrogenation of olefins.