Catalysis by Gold: Isolated Surface Au3+ Ions are Active Sites for Selective Hydrogenation of 1,3‐Butadiene over Au/ZrO2 Catalysts

A small number of isolated Au3+ ions (0. 02 Au3+/nm2) heterogenized on a zirconia surface from a cheap inorganic source (HAuCl4) is able to grant high catalytic activity for the selective hydrogenation of 1, 3-butadiene (see picture). The catalytic turnover and mass activity rates of the Au3+ ions are respectively one and two orders of magnitude higher than those of metallic gold nanoparticles. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http: //www. wiley-vch. de/contents/jc₂002/2005/z502101ₛ. pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.