Preparation characterization and catalytic activity of polymer supported Ru(III) complexes

Chloromethylated styrene-divinyl benzene copolymer with different types of cross-link was treated with glycine for the introduction of the ligand. The polymer modified with ligand was kept in contact with RuCl3 to form the metal complex on the surface of the polymer. The catalysts thus prepared were characterised by techniques such as IR, UV-Vis reflectance spectroscopy and DTA-TG analysis. Other physico-chemical properties such as surface area, moisture content, bulk density and swelling were also studied. The morphology of the catalysts was observed by scanning electron microscope. The catalysts were tested for the hydrogenation of nitrobenzene as a model reaction. The influence of various parameters such as concentration of catalyst and substrate, temperature and different solvents on the rate of the reaction has been studied.