An efficient heterogeneous catalytic system for chemoselective hydrogenation of unsaturated ketones in aqueous medium

A highly chemoselective and green heterogeneous catalytic system of immobilized Ru(II)–phenanthroline complexes on amino functionalised MCM-41 material for the chemoselective hydrogenation of unsaturated ketones to unsaturated alcohols is demonstrated using water as a solvent. The XRD and FTIR spectra show the highly ordered hexagonal nature of the MCM-41, even after encapsulation of the ruthenium complex. The complex retains its configuration after anchoring, as was confirmed by FTIR and UV–Vis analysis. The detailed reaction parametric effect was studied for the hydrogenation of 3-methylpent-3-en-2-one to achieve complete conversion up to >99% chemoselectivity of 3-methylpent-3-en-2-ol. The anchored heterogeneous catalysts were recycled effectively and reused five times with marginal changes in activity and selectivity. The use of water as a solvent not only afforded high activity for the hydrogenation reaction compared to organic solvents, but also afforded a green process.

A highly chemoselective (>99%) and green catalytic system for the chemoselective hydrogenation of unsaturated ketones to unsaturated alcohols, immobilized Ru(Phen)n complexes on MCM-41 materials, is demonstrated in aqueous medium. The catalyst was successfully recycled for the hydrogenation of unsaturated ketones.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide