Conformational studies of ligand-template assemblies and the consequences for encapsulation of rhodium complexes and hydroformylation catalysis

The second coordination sphere around a transition metal catalyst can contribute to the activity and selectivity that it displays. In this paper we present encapsulated catalysts using a template-ligand assembly strategy based on Zn(II)salphen building blocks, and show that these have significantly different properties in catalysis than previously reported Zn(II)porphyrin-based analogues. The conformational properties of tris-Zn(II)salphen-based capsular catalysts were examined by a combination of solid state and solution phase analytical methods, as well as computational techniques. We found that as a result of the ability of the salphen-based capsules to adopt different conformations compared to porphyrin-based capsules, less stringent constraints are enforced to the catalytic centre, resulting in different catalyst selectivities displayed by the rhodium complexes enclosed.

Conformational studies of ligand-template assemblies and the consequences for encapsulation of rhodium complexes and hydroformylation catalysis

I. Jacobs, A. C. T. van Duin, A. W. Kleij, M. Kuil, D. M. Tooke, A. L. Spekc, J. N. H. Reek

Catal. Sci. Technol. 2013, 3, 1955-1963
DOI: Go to the journal

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