Platinum Metals Review - Volume 19, Issue 1, 1975

A new platinum catalyst system has been developed at the Johnson Matthey Research Laboratories for the oxidation of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide emitted by compression ignition internal combustion engines. The catalyst was evaluated during tests on a direct injection diesel engine using the 13-mode cycle devised by the California Air Resources Board, thereby assisting the design of catalyst systems to meet specific emission control targets in particular industrial applications. The new catalyst combined with retardation of injection timing can provide overall control of exhaust emissions, including the nitrogen oxides, from diesel engines.

The new Monsanto Company acetic acid process employs a rhodium-based homogeneous liquid-phase catalyst which promotes methanol carbonylation in high selectivity and at low pressures. This article describes some of the chemistry involved in this process, with particular emphasis on the role played by rhodium complexes in the catalytic cycle.

Catalysts using suitably supported platinum show promise for the commercial production of heavy water. Carbons are potential primary supports for the platinum and metal-support interactions have been observed in this system. These interactions lower the chemical activation energy and increase the rate of reaction under conditions where it seems likely that the support donates electrons to the metal.

The chemistry of the trifluorophosphine complexes of the transition metals, and of the platinum metals in particular, is of increasing importance. This article describes some of the more recent developments in trifluorophosphine complexes of the platinum metals, including their syntheses, structures, reactions, and potential as homogeneous catalysts.