Hydrogenolysis without hydrogen gas: hydrogen loaded palladium electrodes by electrolysis of H[NTf2] in a room temperature ionic liquid

Electrochemical hydrogenolysis has been demonstrated in a room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) for the first time. Reduction of H[NTf2] at a Pd microelectrode in the RTIL 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide ([C(2)mim][NTf2]) leads to the reversible formation of adsorbed and absorbed hydrogen (Pd/H). Hydrogenation of N,N'-bis(benzyloxycarbonyl)-L-lysine was observed to proceed rapidly, monitored by the consumption of Pd/H. In addition, the electrolysis of adventitious H2O to form Pd/H is noted.