Selective Semi-Hydrogenation of Terminal Alkynes Promoted by Bimetallic Cu-Pd Nanoparticles

Abstract

The selective semi-hydrogenation of terminal alkynes was efficiently performed, under mild reaction conditions (H 2 balloon, 110 °C), promoted by a bimetallic nanocatalyst composed of copper and palladium nanoparticles (5:1 weight ratio) supported on mesostructured silica (MCM-48). The Cu-PdNPS@MCM-48 catalyst, which demonstrated to be highly chemoselective towards the alkyne functionality, is readily prepared from commercial materials and can be recovered and reused after thermal treatment followed by reduction under H 2 atmosphere.