Efficient selective hydrogenation of terminal alkynes over Pd–Ni nanoclusters encapsulated inside S-1 zeolite

Abstract

Selective hydrogenation of alkynes is a challenging reaction that requires selective and efficient catalysts to achieve the desired alkenes. The development of general and robust catalysts that can operate under mild conditions and tolerate a wide range of functional groups is still an active area of research. Here, Pd-M bimetallic clusters (M = Ni, Cu, Mn, Fe) encapsulated inside S-1 zeolite were prepared and applied in the selective hydrogenation of substituted terminal alkynes. Among them, the Pd0.6Ni@S-1 catalyst displayed 91 % selectivity to styrene at the full conversion of phenylacetylene. Derivatives of phenylacetylene containing either electron withdrawing/donating or sensitive functional groups were effectively converted into the corresponding alkenes. The confinement effect of zeolite effectively inhibited the over-hydrogenation reaction and enhanced the stability of the catalysts. Furthermore, the product distribution was solvent-dependent by correlating the reaction selectivity with solvent properties. Apolar solvent showed the highest selectivity to styrene in the selective hydrogenation of phenylacetylene due to the competitive adsorption of apolar solvent and styrene on catalysts.