THE CHEMISTRY OF RHODIUM IN POLYSULFONE - REACTIONS WITH VARIOUS SMALL GAS MOLECULES

RhCl[P(C6H5)3]3 complexes have been incorporated in polysulfone (PS) a s a dispersion medium using cosolvent (THF). The interactions between Rh(I) complexes and polysulfone polymer molecules are examined by infr ared spectroscopy and thermal analysis. The chemical reactivity of Rh in PS films has been investigated by reacting Rh sites with CO, H-2, D 2, O2, NO, C2H2 and C2H4 in the temperature range 25-200-degrees-C. Va rious Rh-carbonyl, -hydride and -nitrosyl species formed in PS films a re characterized by their infrared spectra. Rh complexes in PS film sh ow interesting catalytic reactivities in the reactions such as hydroge nation of C2H2 and C2H4, oxidation of CO, and reduction of NO by CO or H-2 gas under relatively mild conditions.