The Low Temperature Synthesis of Very Small and Non-Crystalline Iron-Based Nanoparticles: Application in Alkene Hydrosilylation

This work describes the synthesis of very small non-crystalline and non-metallic iron-based nanoparticles in solution from easily accessible commercial products in mild conditions. These colloidal suspensions were further used to generate well-defined solids containing metallic iron or iron oxide NPs. While classical magnetic and crystalline Fe nanoparticles are inactive in alkene hydrosilylation, such original NPs were active in 1-octene hydrosilylation with 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptamethyltrisiloxane (MD'M) showing that the non-crystallinity and the organometallic character of the starting Fe NPs are an asset to generate a specific catalytic activity.

Automated summary

Non-crystalline and non-metallic iron-based nanoparticles were synthesized in solution from easily accessible commercial products in mild conditions. These nanoparticles were used to generate well-defined solids containing metallic iron or iron oxide nanoparticles. The non-crystallinity and organometallic character of the starting iron nanoparticles were found to be beneficial in generating a specific catalytic activity.