Nature of the modifying action of white phosphorus on the properties of nanosized hydrogenation catalysts based on bis(dibenzylideneacetone)palladium(0)

The catalytic properties and nature of the nanoparticles forming in the system based on Pd(dba)₂ and white phosphorus are reported. A schematic mechanism is suggested for the formation of nanosized palladium-based hydrogenation catalysts. The mechanism includes the formation of palladium nanoclusters via the interaction of Pd(dba)₂ with the solvent (N,N-dimethylformamide) and substrate and the formation of palladium phosphide nanoparticles. The inhibiting effect exerted by elemental phosphorus on the catalytic process is due to the conversion of part of the Pd(0) into palladium phosphides, which are inactive in hydrogenation under mild conditions, and the formation of mainly segregated palladium nanoclusters and palladium phosphide nanoparticles. By investigating the interaction between Pd(dba)₂ and white phosphorus in benzene, it has been established that the formation of palladium phosphides under mild conditions consists of the following consecutive steps: Pd(0) → PdP₂ → Pd₅P₂ → Pd₃P. It is explained why white phosphorus can produce diametrically opposite effects of on the catalytic properties of nanosized palladium-based hydrogenation catalysts, depending on the nature of the palladium precursor.