Catalytic metathesis of a C-Cl bond in the presence of immobilized Cu(II) complexes with DMF

The dependence of the catalytic activity of copper-containing catalysts, su pported on Silochrome, for metathesis of a C-Cl bond in the carbon tetrachl oride-n-decane system on the composition and conditions of formation of the catalysts was examined using physicochemical techniques. High activity and selectivity can be attained provided that a liquid dimethylformamide film is formed that contains the complexes of a specific composition on the surf ace of the support. The structure and composition of the catalyst on the su rface only slightly depends on the ratio between different complexes in the precursor solution. The use of supports that cannot retain a film of the o rganic donor component (carbon tetrachloride) resulted in a loss in activit y. Special features of the reaction suggest that a key step is the reductio n of Cu(II) to Cu(I).