Catalytic decomposition of formaldehyde on single rhodium atoms

The interaction of H2CO with alumina‐supported Rh has been studied by transmission infrared spectroscopy. It has been shown that isolated Rh atoms catalyze the decomposition of H2CO to produce carbonyl hydride species HxRh–CO (x=1,2). Species of the type Rh(HCO) and Rh(HCOH) are not observed to form in detectable amounts. Hydride bonding to rhodium carbonyl species is associated with electron donation to Rh causing a decrease in ?CO due to electron donation into 2π*‐CO orbitals. Hydride displacement by CO may occur on exposure to CO(g). The conversion of the species H–Rh(CO)2 to H–Rh(CO) has been followed spectroscopically during desorption.