Platinum Metals Complex Catalysts for Liquid-Phase Hydrogenations

Results of the syntheses and applications of platinum metals complex catalysts, which are uniquely active for the liquid-phase hydrogenation of unsaturated organic compounds, such as olefins, dienes, acetylenes and aromatics, are described. The platinum metals complex catalysts are synthesised by the interaction between platinum metals compounds and aliphatic amines with sufficiently long alkyl groups (C 8 and higher). Similarities are shown in the production of palladium-, platinum-, and rhodium-based catalysts, which involves the formation of hydride ligands, using the hydrogen atoms of the alkyl groups, and the specific catalytic behaviour of each metal is described. Examples of synergistic effects for these platinum group metal catalysts and some of their related systems are discussed.