Rh/nylon catalysts for partial hydrogenation of benzene to cyclohexene

Hydrogenation of benzene on Rh/nylon produced cyclohexene with a high selectivity. The influence of contact time, pretreatment of catalyst and rhodium salt precursors have been studied. Samples prepared from Rh(III) were found more selective than catalysts obtained from Rh(I). It is suggested that electron deficient metal sites are responsible for cycloolefin formation. © 1988 Akadémiai Kiadó.