Nickel boride catalysts in organic synthesis. I: A new ferromagnetic catalyst from the diborane reduction of nickel acetate

Using diborane as the reducing agent, we have prepared a new nickel boride catalyst, DBNi, which differs from the well known nickel boride catalysts, such as P-1, P-2 and P-2W (water-washed P-2), in its composition, catalytic activity and magnetic properties. DBNi has a higher Ni/B ratio. It catalyzes the hydrogenation of cyclohexanone and nitrobenzene much more effectively than do P-1,P-2 or P-2W. However, it is only slightly more effective than P-1 in catalyzing hydrogenation of olefinic compounds such as cyclohexene, styrene and benzene. DBNi is a ferromagnetic catalysts whereas P-1 is not. These properties make DBNi an ideal catalyst for hydrogenation reaction, having high reactivity and being easy to separate from the reaction mixture.