Carboxylated polymers functionalized by cyclodextrins for the stabilization of highly efficient rhodium(0) nanoparticles in aqueous phase catalytic hydrogenation

Rhodium(0) nanoparticles stabilized by a polymer containing carboxylate and beta-cyclodextrin moieties have high stability and catalytic activity for aqueous hydrogenation reactions of olefins and aromatic substrates. This catalytic system can be recycled and reused without loss of activity. These high catalytic performances can be attributed to conjugated electrostatic interactions (carboxylate groups) and steric interactions (polymer structure and beta-cyclodextrin moiety).