Selective hydrogenation of 1,10-phenanthrolines by silica-supported palladium nanoparticles

The catalytic hydrogenation of 1,10-phenanthroline or 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline has been achieved using silica-supported palladium nanoparticles (Pd/SiO2) with metal contents of 1.98 or 9.95 wt%. With either catalyst, the hydrogenation regiochemistry has been effectively controlled by the reaction temperature.