wilkinson catalyst formula review

Wilkinsons catalyst is a coordination compound of rhodium with the formula . It is a red-brown colored solid that is soluble in hydrocarbon solvents such as dichloromethane, tetrahydrofuran, and benzene. The chemical properties of the Wilkinson catalyst are the result of the electronic configuration and the shape attained by the catalyst. The hybridization of the Wilkinson catalyst is dsp2, and its shape is a square planner. The catalyst is used in the hydrogenation reaction of unsaturated organic compounds and is known for catalyzing the hydrogenation of olefins with molecular hydrogen. The molar mass of Wilkinsons catalyst is 925.22 grams/mole, and its melting point ranges from 518 to 523K. It is insoluble in water but soluble in many hydrocarbon-based solvents such as benzene and tetrahydrofuran. The coordination number of metal in Wilkinsons catalyst is 4, and the oxidation state of rhodium in Wilkinsons catalyst is +1. The catalyst can be prepared by reacting hydrated rhodium(III) chloride with excess triphenylphosphine in the presence of ethanol.