Organometallic Chemistry. 2

Catalysis

Organometallic Chemistry. The Players

Introducing Wilkinson’s Catalyst, RhCl(PPh3)3

Organometallic Chemistry. The Players

Understanding Wilkinson’s Catalyst, RhCl(PPh3)3

Analyze electronic structure

Organometallic Chemistry. The Players

Understanding Wilkinson’s Catalyst, RhCl(PPh3)3

Analyze Reaction

RhCl3(H2O)3 + excess PPh3

RhCl3(H2O)3 + 4 PPh3 RhCl3(PPh3)3 + O=PPh3 + 2 HCl + 2 H2O

Organometallic Chemistry. The Players

(Actually it’s more complicated…)

RhCl3(H2O)3 + excess PPh3

heatReaction Conditions?

Organometallic Chemistry. The Play

So what does Wilkinson’s catalyst do? Make a prediction?

Organometallic Chemistry. The Plot

Organometallic Chemistry. The Deception

Organometallic Chemistry. Your play

RhCl3(H2O)3 + excess PPh3

heat

2. Investigate this Reaction:

1. Make the catalyst:

+ RCHO

1. Mild heat2. Rh product ppts3. Filter; save filtrate4. Take IR and NMR of ppt5. ESI-MS of ppt6. Propose reaction

?

Organometallic Chemistry. Next Week

1. Catalytic Olefin Hydrogenation

2. Analyze filtrate by GC-MS: does it confirm your proposed reaction?