The synthesis of
a novel immobilized Wilkinson’s catalyst
[SiO2∼PvPy-Wilk] is presented. The support material
of this catalyst consists of silica particles that are modified with
polymer brushes carrying pyridyl moieties that enable the coordination
of Wilkinson’s catalyst. The synthesis of this catalyst is
monitored by 1D and 2D multinuclear solid-state NMR techniques to
confirm the success of the immobilization. The [SiO2∼PvPy-Wilk]
catalyst is then tested in the hydrogenation of styrene, and its reusability
is inspected showing that significant structural changes after several
reaction cycles yield an activation of the catalyst. Finally, the
catalyst is tested in PHIP experiments giving rise to about 200-fold
enhancement of the signals of the hydrogenation product ethylbenzene.