http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/documents/about_epsrc/corporate_publications/newsline_journal/newslin17/solution.htm (http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/documents/about_epsrc/corporate_publications/newsline_journal/newslin17/solution.htm)
Martyn Poliakoff and his team are exploring how supercritical fluids (SCFs) can be used to make catalysts and to carry out catalytic reactions. Intriguingly supercritical water (see page 15) is simul-taneously more acidic and more alkaline than water at room temperature. The Nottingham team have used this inherent acidity to generate hydrogen with metallic zinc without the need for any added acid. The hydrogen can then be used for a very clean hydrogenation of organic compounds. The only other remaining product, zinc oxide, is also a potentially useful material, for example in medical dressings.
If I am reading this right, does this mean that it might be possible to do hydrogenations (eg decarbonylations) with only water, zinc metal and precursor?
The only problem I am perceiving here is that supercritical water is 374°C at 217atm, which would make a suitable heating source for supercritical water a bit tricky to set up.
Any suggestions for what to contain this reaction inside, and how to get it to supercritical?