Synthesis of C60[Pd(PPh3)2] and its catalytic performance for cyclization of 1-heptene Original Research Article

The transition metal complex C60[Pd(PPh3)2] was prepared successfully in N2 atmosphere free of water and oxygen and characterized by fourier transform infrared (FTIR), XPS and13C NMR. The catalytic conversion of 1-heptene was investigated using this new complex as the catalyst. It was found that the complex C60[Pd(PPh3)2] could actively catalyze the cyclization of 1-heptene into 1,2-dimethyl-cyclopentane. However, the complex Pd(PPh3)4 showed only the activities of hydrogenation and isomerization, instead of cyclization. It is believed that the cyclization of 1-heptene is contributing to the coordination of C60 with Pd(PPh3)2, but that this coordination does not arise from the mechanical mixing of C60 and Pd(PPh3)4.