XAFS analysis of Wilkinson's complex in solutions

Introduction Wilkinson’s complex, [RhCl{P(C6H5)3}3], is a hydrogenation catalyst for alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic compounds[1]. It is one of the most important homogeneous catalysts in organic synthesis. Though the mechanism of its catalytic cycle has been known well, chemical species which truly give catalytic action are still unknown in solutions. As the first step to confirm species in the catalytic cycle, XAFS analyses for the species correspond to 2 and 4 without H2 in Fig. 1 were attempted in tetrahydrofuran (THF) and benzene.