| abstract |
A process is described for the synthesis of a cationic rhodium complex comprising the steps of: (a) forming a mixture of a rhodium-diolefin-1,3-diketonate compound and a phosphorus ligand in a ketone solvent, (b) mixing an acid with the mixture to form a solution of the cationic rhodium complex, (c) evaporating at least a portion of the solvent from the solution, (d) optionally, treating the resulting complex with an ether, and (e) treating the resulting complex with an alcohol. The complex may be recovered and used as a catalyst, for example in hydrogenation reactions. |