IMPACT OF MOLECULAR ORDER IN LANGMUIR-BLODGETT-FILMS ON CATALYSIS

Catalytically active Langmuir-Blodgett films of a rhodium complex were prepared and characterized to determine the possible effect of the mo lecular order of metal complexes on catalytic activity. The hydrogenat ion oi carbon-oxygen double bonds was used as a model reaction. The co mplex in solution exhibited low catalytic activity, whereas ii was hig hly active in the film. The catalytic activity was found to be highly dependent on the orientation of the complex within the film. The react ions were also highly selective with regard to the substrate. These ob servations and the observed rate dependence on temperature strongly im plicate the molecular order of a metal complex as an important dimensi on in catalysis.