Hydrogenation of Arenes by Dual Activation: Reduction of Substrates Ranging from Benzene to C₆₀ Fullerene under Ambient Conditions

Abstract

Tackling aromaticity: The title reaction was accomplished by simultaneous activation of molecular hydrogen and the aromatic substrate by Pd/C and a Lewis acidic ionic liquid, respectively. Even benzene and C60 fullerene were hydrogenated under ambient conditions (1 bar of H2 at room temperature). An ionic hydrogenation mechanism (see scheme) is supported by characterization of a stabilized arenium intermediate. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.