Synthesis of some new Rhodium complexes containing diaryl chalcogenide ligands and their uses as catalysts in hydrosilylation of alkenes

Diaryl Chalcogenides (i.e. Ar2E where Ar = 4-CH3C6H4, 4-BrC6H4, E= S, Se and Te) were reacted with [RhCl(CO)2]2 and rhodium(III) chloride trihydrate to give compounds of type [RhCl(CO)2(Ar2E)] and [RhCl3(Ar2E)3], respectively. All compounds were characterized by IR, NMR, and mass spectroscopic data. Attempts to prepare hydroxyapatite (HAp) supported rhodium catalyst by using different methods were unsuccessful. Complexes [RhCl(CO)2((4-R-C6H4)2S)], [RhCl(CO)2((4-R-C6H4)2Se)] and [RhCl(CO)2((4-R-C6H4)2Te), where R= CH3 or Br], were evaluated as catalysts for hydrosilylation of allyl phenyl ether and 1-decene. They showed good catalytic activities for hydrosilylation of alkenes with triethoxysilane.