Novel aminophosphonate ligand for the preparation of catalytically active silica aerogels with finely dispersed palladium

Silica-based aerogels bearing a novel aminophosphonate-containing substituent were prepared. Pd2+ and Cu2+ ions were introduced into aerogel matrix to form chelated complexes with aminophosphonate moiety. Both complexes securely retain Me2+ after supercritical drying (SCD) in CO2. In silica matrix, Pd complex is reduced to metallic Pd after treatment by gaseous H2 at 120 °C. In lyogel matrix, Pd complex can also be reduced to metallic Pd upon SCD in isopropanol. Pd-containing aerogel showed excellent catalytic activity in the reaction of C=C and C=Cbonds hydrogenation.