Catalytic Solvolysis of Ammonia Borane

Hydrogen on tap: A homogeneous catalyst system for the rapid and quantitative solvolysis of ammonia borane (AB) has been developed. The iridium catalyst is remarkably stable and can be reused with no observable degradation in activity. In the absence of solvent, the mixture of catalyst and AB efficiently generates hydrogen upon exposure to water vapor, thereby resulting in a system with considerable hydrogen storage capacity (see picture).