Wilkinsonkatalizátor

Wilkinson's catalyst is a homogeneous catalyst with the chemical formula RhCl(PPh3)3. It is a complex of rhodium(I) with tris(triphenylphosphine) and a chloride ligand. This complex is named after its discoverer, Sir Geoffrey Wilkinson, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1973 for his work on organometallic compounds, including the development of this catalyst.

The primary application of Wilkinson's catalyst is in the homogeneous hydrogenation of alkenes and alkynes. In this reaction, hydrogen gas is added across a carbon-carbon double or triple bond. The catalyst facilitates this process by reversibly binding hydrogen and the alkene, allowing for their reaction. The reaction typically occurs under mild conditions, often at room temperature and atmospheric pressure of hydrogen. The triphenylphosphine ligands play a crucial role in stabilizing the rhodium center and influencing its reactivity and selectivity.

Wilkinson's catalyst is soluble in organic solvents like benzene, toluene, and tetrahydrofuran, which is characteristic of homogeneous catalysts. Its preparation involves the reaction of rhodium(III) chloride hydrate with an excess of triphenylphosphine in ethanol. The crystalline, air-stable nature of the solid catalyst makes it relatively easy to handle and store. Beyond hydrogenation, it has also found applications in other catalytic transformations, such as isomerization reactions and hydroformylation, though its use in hydrogenation remains its most prominent role in organic synthesis.

---