A series of Anchored Wilkinson's Catalysts (AWC's) were prepared by reacting the homogeneous Wilkinson catalyst with several alumina/heteropoly acid support materials. These catalysts were used to promote the model hydrogenations of cyclohexene, 1-hexene and limonene. The results were compared with those obtained using the homogeneous Wilkinson and a Rh/Al2O3 catalyst with respect to catalyst stability, reaction selectivity and the amount of isomerization observed. The effect which the nature of the heteropoly acid exerted on the reaction was also examined.

The results of these hydrogenations will be discussed along with data relating to the composition of the anchored catalyst before and after hydrogenation as well as the application of these catalysts to continuous reactor systems.