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Updated: Oct 25, 2026

Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Nanotube with Doped Co and N Atoms and its Catalytic Applications in Hydrogen Production
Published on: December 6, 2021
Co(0)-Arene Complexes Derived from a Co4 Cluster: Synthesis, Characterization, and Hydrogenation Catalysis
Graden Snyder1, Joshua Thedford1, Christian M Andre1
1Willard Henry Dow Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, 930 North University Avenue, Ann Arbor, Michigan48109, United States.
Abstract:
Low-valent cobalt complexes have emerged as effective earth-abundant pre-catalysts for olefin hydrogenation reactions. Here, we report a series of heteroleptic Co(0) arene cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene (CAAC) complexes that catalytically hydrogenate olefins. Whereas direct reduction of CAACCo(II) precursors affords precedented Co(0) dimers, formation and subsequent reduction of a tetracobalt cluster generates mononuclear Co(0) arenes. These complexes are characterized by X-ray crystallography, 1H NMR and EPR spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and density functional theory calculations. CAACCo(C6H6) is an activator-free pre-catalyst for olefin hydrogenation, achieving high turnovers for styrenic substrates. Mechanistic studies support H2 activation prior to olefin binding, preceding a Co(II)/Co(0) catalytic cycle.
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