From homogeneous to heterogeneous catalysis: zeolite supported metal complexes with C2-multidentate nitrogen ligands. Application as catalysts for olefin hydrogenation and cyclopropanation reactions

The fixation of the preformed rhodium and copper complexes, {[Rh(N,N′-bis[(S)-prolyl-N-(2-aminoethyl-3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilyl]ethylenediamine)(THF)]X, [Rh((N,N′-bis[(S)-benzyl prolyl]-N-(2-aminoethyl-3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilylethylenediamine)(cod)]X, X=PF6}, {[Cu(N,N′-bis[(S)-prolyl-N-(2-aminoethyl-3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilyl]ethylenediamine)]X, [Cu((N,N′-bis[(S)-benzylprolyl]-N-(2-aminoethyl-3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilylethylenediamine)(CH3CN)]X, X=ClO4} on zeolites (USY, MCM41) and their use, under heterogeneous conditions, for the hydrogenation and cyclopropanation reactions are reported. The catalytic activity and selectivity are higher to that observed under homogeneous conditions, as a consequence of the complex—and/or reagents—to-support interaction. The strength of such interactions allows the recovery and recycling of the supported catalysts for a number of cycles. Atomic absorption analysis of the reaction solutions shows that there is no rhodium or copper leaching into the solutions.