Iridium Nanoparticles For Hydrogenation Reactions

The use of iridium nanoparticles (Ir NPs) as catalysts for hydrogenation reactions is reviewed with an emphasis on the recent advances in this area. Different types of Ir NPs are examined: NPs immobilised on supports, ligand-stabilised NPs, confined NPs, NPs stabilised by ionic liquids and polymers and NPs generated in situ without stabilising agent. A key issue is the role of the stabiliser in the catalytic process (activity, selectivity and recyclability). General trends in the use of conditions, stabilisers, additives and co-catalysts were also observed. In spite of the advances achieved in the last decade, there is still a quest for Ir NP-based catalysts with sufficient selectivity to be industrially applied in fine chemistry.