Transition-Metal Nanoparticles in Imidazolium Ionic Liquids: Recycable Catalysts for Biphasic Hydrogenation Reactions

Abstract

1-n-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate room-temperature ionic liquid is not only suitable as a medium for the preparation and stabilization of iridium nanoparticles but also ideal for the generation of recyclable biphasic catalytic systems for hydrogenation reactions. Thus, Ir(0) nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 2 nm have been prepared by reduction of Ir(I) dissolved in the ionic liquid with H₂. This catalytic solution can be reused several times for the biphasic hydrogenation of olefins under mild reaction conditions.