Phosphine-functionalized, ionic liquid-stabilized rhodium nanoparticles with an average size of about 3.5 nm are very active catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of aromatic compounds, including quinoline and its analogues, and aromatic nitro compounds. Their catalytic performance complements that of classic homogeneous and heterogeneous rhodium catalysis. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.