Surface organometallic chemistry: a molecular approach to surface catalysis

Abstract

Abstract.- The study of the reactions of organometallic complexes with the surfaces of inorganic oxides, zeolites and metals constitutes a new aspect of the coordination chemistry of organometallic compounds. We will demonstrate that the basic rules of organometallic chemistry are often valid when applied to surfaces, using as an example the chemistry of bis(allyl)rhodium grafted onto silica. In addition, concepts can be developed which are new both in molecular chemistry and in surface science (unusual oxidation state, coordination number and electron count). These new concepts allow the design of a new generation of catalysts with unexpected activity and/or selectivity. Two examples will be presented: the low temperature activation of the C- Hand C-C bonds of alkanes by a zirconium hydride supported on silica, and the regioselective hydrogenation of citral to geraniol with a metallic surface of Rh covered with alkyltin fragments.