Platinum(IV) oxide (Adams' catalyst)
CAS 1314-15-4
Adams' catalyst is the classical hydrogenation workhorse — PtO₂ reduces in the reaction vessel to highly active platinum black, hydrogenating alkenes, ketones, nitro groups and pyridine rings under mild pressure without a carbon support.
Typical specification
| Molecular formula | PtO₂ (hydrate) |
|---|---|
| Molecular weight | 227.08 |
| Purity (metals basis) | ≥ 99.9% |
| Platinum content | ≥ 85.9% |
| Appearance | Dark brown to black powder |
| Loss on drying | Certified per lot |
| Activity | Standard substrate hydrogenation test report available |
| HS code (export) | 2843900039 |
Lot-specific COA issued with every shipment. SDS and ICP elemental impurity data available on request.
Where PtO₂ is used
Hydrogenation in API synthesis
Chosen for reductions where Pd is over- or under-selective: pyridine ring saturation, reductive amination and nitro reduction at low pressure, with easy catalyst filtration and no carbon fines.
In-situ platinum black generation
PtO₂ activates under hydrogen at the point of use, giving reproducible fresh catalyst activity batch after batch — the property that has kept Adams' catalyst in pharmacopoeia routes for a century.
Storage and shipping
Storage. Store sealed and dry away from hydrogen, solvents and combustibles; reduces in situ to active platinum black.
Shipping. Air shipments covered by a cargo transport condition appraisal; SDS supplied.
Packaging. 1 g · 5 g · 10 g · 50 g
Synonyms
- Adams' catalyst
- Platinum dioxide
- PtO2 hydrate
- Platinum oxide hydrate
Frequently asked questions
How is pricing structured?
Quotes reference the day's metal fixing on assayed contained metal plus a stated conversion charge, and can be locked at order confirmation for recurring volumes.
PtO₂ or platinum black — which should I order?
PtO₂ stores better and generates fresh catalyst in situ under hydrogen; pre-reduced platinum black suits reactions run without a hydrogen pre-activation step. Activity per gram of Pt is comparable.
Do you take back spent material?
Yes — spent catalyst, residues and off-spec lots are assayed on receipt and the recovered metal credited against your next order, closing the loop on your metal inventory.