Rh(0) colloids supported on TiO2: a highly active and pertinent tandem in neat water for the hydrogenation of aromatics

TiO2-supported Rh(0) nanoparticles were easily prepared in one step without calcination by a room temperature impregnation of the inorganic support with a prestabilized colloidal Rh(0) suspension. They are highly active and reusable catalysts for the hydrogenation of aromatics and chloroanisole derivatives in neat water with TOFs up to 33000 h(-1). The comparison with the analogous silica system Rh@SiO2 was discussed showing higher catalytic selectivities and activities with Rh(0) colloids supported on TiO2.