Structure sensitivity of dodecahydro-N-ethylcarbazole dehydrogenation over Pd catalysts

► Complete recovery of the H2 stored on dodecahydro-N-ethylcarbazole is reported on Pd/SiO2. ► Calcining the Pd/SiO2 catalyst precursors in He rather than air increased Pd dispersion. ► Dodecahydro-N-ethylcarbazole dehydrogenation at 443 K and 101 kPa is structure sensitive. ► DFT calculations explain the observed product distribution and the structure sensitivity.