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 (H2 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 H2 atmosphere.