Preparation of silica-supported polysulfoalumoxane–platinum complexes and their catalytic activity in the hydrogenation of aromatics

A novel inorganic polymer, silica-supported polysulfoalumoxane, has been prepared and used as a support for preparing a silica-supported polysulfoalumoxane–platinum complex. It has been used as a catalyst for the hydrogenation of aromatics under mild conditions. The effects of several reaction parameters such as metal loading, temperature and solvents on the hydrogenation of methyl benzoate have been studied. The catalyst showed high activity and selectivity.