Studies on the hydrogenation of olefins using polymer‐bound palladium (II) species

Abstract bis ‐Benzonitriledichloropalladium(II) [(PhCN) 2 PdCl 2 ] has been supported on two copolymers containing carboxyl and pyridyl groups and has been employed as a catalyst for the hydrogenation of olefins under mild conditions. The coordination environment and the nature of the metal species on the polymer have been studied by IR, ESCA, X‐ray and a chemical test based on KCN treatment. Based on experimental evidence it is proposed that the polymer‐palladium complexes initially contain palladium atoms with chlorine atom bridges which are cleaved in the activation. The catalysts were found to be active towards the hydrogenation of olefins under ambient conditions (room temperature and 1 atmosphere total pressure). The kinetic and mechanistic aspects of the hydrogenation of styrene and acrylonitrile and recycling capacity data using one catalyst (Cat‐I) are reported.