Rhodium-catalysed hydrogenation of nitrous oxide†

Abstract

We report on the discovery of “hidden” heterogeneous catalysis in the hydrogenation of nitrous oxide while assessing the catalytic activity of a rhodium(I) hydride complex supported by a nominally robust phosphine-based pincer ligand. Commercially available [Rh(COD)(OH)]₂ was subsequently identified as a more effective catalyst precursor, enabling the hydrogenation of nitrous oxide with an apparent turnover number >3000 at room temeprature.