Work

On the Overlooked Effect of Counter‐Cations From Borohydrides for the Gold‐ and Metal‐ Mediated Catalytic Reduction of 4‐Nitrophenol

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT The catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol is a widely used model reaction for water treatment and to evaluate the catalytic activity of nanomaterials. Here, we report on the strong, yet overlooked, effect of cations in the borohydride‐mediated reduction of 4‐nitrophenol using gold as a catalyst. Catalytic activity consistently increases in the order Li + < Na + << K + , with KBH 4 leading to the highest turnovers compared to LiBH 4 or NaBH 4 , both with pre‐formed gold nanoparticles but also using HAuCl 4 , AgNO 3 , or Pd(NO 3 ) 2 .

Source: Small Methods

DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202502277

Authors: Aleksandra Smolska, Nina Lock, Jonathan Quinson

Institutions: Aarhus University, Universidade da Coruña

Language: English

Topic: Nanomaterials for catalytic reactions

Subfield: Organic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,640

Funders: Aarhus Universitets Forskningsfond, Danmarks Frie Forskningsfond, Agencia Estatal de Investigación, European Social Fund