Platinum Carbonyl Cluster Derived Catalyst of Superior Activity in Ketone and Unusual Selectivity in Nitrile Hydrogenation Reactions

Hydrogenation catalysts have been prepared by ion pairing anionic platinum carbonyl clusters with quaternary ammonium groups on the surface of functionalized fumed silica and also by conventional adsorption methods. The catalytic performances of these materials have been compared with that of a commercial platinum catalyst in ketone and nitrile hydrogenation reactions. For ketone hydrogenation the catalyst made by ion pairing shows the best activity, while in nitrile hydrogenation both cluster-derived catalysts exhibit unusual chemoselectivity.