Hydrogenation Processes at the Surface of Ruthenium Nanoparticles: A NMR Study.

The reactivity of ruthenium nanoparticles stabilized by 4-(3-phenylpropyl)pyridine in hydrogen transfer and hydrogenation processes was monitored by NMR spectroscopy. Unsaturated substrates such as styrene, 4-vinylpyridine and 4-phenyl-but-3-en-2-one were used as model molecules to investigate the surface properties of nanoparticles by a combination of NMR studies. Interestingly, the hydrides present at the metallic surface after nanoparticles synthesis are selectively transferred to vinylic groups without reducing the aromatic rings, under dihydrogen-free atmosphere. DOSY and NOE NMR experiments permitted to propose a way of interaction of the organic compounds at the metallic surface. In particular, the coordination of the substrate could be evidenced for 4-vinylpyridine and 4-ethylpyridine but not for styrene derivatives. Graphical Abstract: Curved double arrows represent magnetization exchanges. Straight arrows represent adsorption/desorption phenomena. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]