Fe3+ as a reoxidant for Nafion immobilised palladium(II) catalysts

The addition of 1,4-benzoquinone and Fe3+ to [Pd(1,10-phen)2]2+ catalyst systems has been undertaken to assess the ability of these oxidants to increase the ethene dimerisation remover of Nafion immobilised Pd(II) catalysts. Although 1,4-benzoquinone increases the turnover of the Pd(II) catalyst in methanol, it deactivates the catalyst in water. Fe3+ ions have, however, been found to extend the life of the Pd(II) catalyst in water. Fe3+ is effective both in homogeneous solution and when incorporated into Nafion with [Pd(1,10-phen)2]2+. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V.