Description
Specifications Table
Product Name – Tris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I) chloride, 99.99%, (trace metal basis)
Quantity/Pack Size – 250MG, 1GR, 5GR
Form – Solid (air-sensitive)
Grade – 99.99% (trace metal basis)
Application – Homogeneous catalysis, hydrogenation, carbonylation, hydroformylation
Product Overview
Tris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I) chloride (Wilkinson’s catalyst) is a highly efficient homogeneous catalyst with a purity of 99.99% on a trace metal basis, ensuring minimal impurities for sensitive applications. This air-sensitive, reddish-purple solid features a rhodium(I) center coordinated by three triphenylphosphine ligands and a chloride anion, providing exceptional stability and reactivity in organic solvents. The complex is renowned for its selective hydrogenation capabilities, particularly in reducing alkenes and alkynes under mild conditions without affecting other functional groups. Its solubility in common organic solvents like dichloromethane, chloroform, and benzene makes it versatile for various catalytic systems. The high purity grade eliminates trace metal contamination risks, critical for reproducible results in research and specialized synthesis. Storage under an inert atmosphere (argon/nitrogen) is essential to prevent oxidation and maintain catalytic activity. This rhodium complex is a staple in organometallic chemistry due to its well-defined structure, predictable behavior, and compatibility with a wide range of substrates, offering researchers a reliable tool for precision catalysis.
FAQs
1. What is the solubility profile of tris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I) chloride?
It is soluble in common organic solvents such as dichloromethane, chloroform, benzene, and toluene but insoluble in water and aliphatic hydrocarbons.
2. How should this rhodium complex be stored to maintain its stability?
Store under an inert atmosphere (argon or nitrogen) in a tightly sealed container, protected from light and moisture, at temperatures between 2–8°C.
3. Is this catalyst compatible with polar protic solvents like alcohols?
Prolonged exposure to protic solvents can lead to ligand dissociation or decomposition, so usage in such solvents should be minimized or avoided.
4. What are the key impurities to watch for in lower-grade alternatives?
Lower-grade versions may contain residual rhodium oxides, phosphine oxides, or trace metals like iron or nickel, which can affect catalytic performance.
5. Can this complex be used for asymmetric hydrogenation reactions?
While it is not inherently chiral, it can be modified with chiral ligands or used in conjunction with chiral auxiliaries for asymmetric synthesis.
