CATALYTIC REACTIONS OF PYRIDINE WITH CO AND H2O. REDUCTION OF CO TO HYDROCARBON - APPLICATIONS OF THE WATER-GAS SHIFT REACTION .4.

We are currently searching for homogeneous metalcluster catalysis reactions which mimic heterogeneous catalysis reactions. In this regard, we have recently described the rhodium cluster catalyzed exchange of deuterium for hydrogen at the saturated carbons of triethylamine, which occurs concurrently with rhodium catalysis of the water-gas shift reaction. 2 This observation coupled with our continuing interest in catalysis reactions wherein H20 serves as the source of hydrogen1-3 prompted the investigation of a possible catalytic reaction of pyridine with CO and H20 under conditions where homogeneous catalysis of the water-gas shift reaction is known to occur. 4 Under the conditions described below, pyridine reacts via several pathways to give products resulting from reduction, hydrodenitrogenation, methylation, and aminomethylation. © 1979, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.