Question

Wilkinson catalyst is:

• A. $\left[\right(P{h}_{3}P{)}_{3}RhCl]$ $(Et=C_2{H}_5)$
• B. $\left[E{t}_{3}P{)}_{3}IrCl\right]$
• C. $\left[E{t}_{3}P{)}_{3}RhCl\right]$
• D. $\left[P{h}_{3}P{)}_{3}IeCl\right]$

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$\left[\right(P{h}_{3}P{)}_{3}RhCl]$ $(Et=C_2{H}_5)$

Wilkinson's catalyst is the common name for chloridotris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I), a coordination complex of rhodium with the formula [RhCl(PPh${}_3$)${}_3$] (Ph = phenyl). It is a red-brown colored solid that is soluble in hydrocarbon solvents such as benzene, and more so in tetrahydrofuran or chlorinated solvents such as dichloromethane. The compound is widely used as a catalyst for hydrogenation of alkenes. It is named after chemist and Nobel laureate Sir Geoffrey Wilkinson, who first popularized its use.

Hence, the correct option is $\text{A}$