Reliable and Safe, Gram-Scale Hydrogenation and Hydrogenolysis of O-Benzyl Ether Groups with In Situ Pd⁰/C Catalyst

Abstract

Hydrogenation of alkenes, alkynes, and hydrogenolysis of O-benzyl ethers with Pd⁰/C catalyst generated in situ can be readily scaled up under safer conditions than with traditional procedures. The precise control of the palladium loading and the mild conditions developed allow the formation of a very active and reliable Pd⁰/C catalyst, leading to highly reproducible results.

Key words

hydrogenation - hydrogenolysis - palladium - charcoal - gram-scale synthesis

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1

Present address: Université de Nantes.

6

Activated Carbon, Darco® G-60, 100 mesh, was used in this study. However, we did not observe dramatic differences with other types of charcoal.