Selective transfer hydrogenation of phenol to cyclohexanone on supported palladium catalyst using potassium formate as hydrogen source under open atmosphere

• Highly selective and green catalytic transfer hydrogenation of phenol to cyclohexanone.
• Potassium formate as safe hydrogen donor and promoter of cyclohexanone selectivity.
• Safe reaction conditions: water as solvent, atmospheric pressure and mild temperature.
• The catalyst Pd/C is heterogeneous, easily recoverable and fully reusable.
• Avoids specific pressure conditions, additives, hazardous waste and harsh conditions.

A selective, effective and sustainable catalytic transfer hydrogenation of phenol to cyclohexanone on supported palladium using potassium formate as benign hydrogen source at atmospheric pressure and mild reaction conditions has demonstrated. A reaction temperature, catalyst (Pd/C), solvent (water) quantity and type of hydrogen source are found to be most influencing factors for effective phenol conversion. Hydrogen donor potassium formate playing important dual role; as hydrogen source and as additive to enhance the cyclohexanone selectivity. The catalyst Pd/C has successfully recovered through filtration and reused up to few batches without considerable loss of phenol conversion and cyclohexanone selectivity.

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