The preparation of silica entrapped homogeneous hydrogenation catalysts by conventional and ionic liquid mediated sol–gel routes

[RhCl(PPh3)3] has been entrapped inside silica matrices by two methods: a conventional sol–gel synthesis in ethanol/water and a new route performed in an ionic liquid. The activity of these heterogenised catalysts has been tested for the hydrogenation of styrene. The catalyst prepared in an ionic liquid was found to be more active and have low Rh leaching.