Chemoselective hydrogenation of aromatic ketones with Pt-based heterogeneous catalysts. Substituent effects

• PtSn catalysts were obtained by a surface reaction between Pt and SnBu4.
• PtSn systems have been active in the hydrogenation of aromatic ketones.
• The substituents groups could influence in the adsorption mode of aromatic ketones.
• PtSn catalysts lead to an increase in the selectivity to unsaturated alcohol.
• Sn presence favors the interaction through CO, hindering the adsorption of ring.

Catalytic reduction of aromatic ketones is an interesting reaction that leads to the obtaining of alcohols. Some of these alcohols are employed as intermediaries to produce chemical fine compounds. The bimetallic catalysts are widely used in the chemoselective hydrogenation. The Surface Organometallic Chemistry on Metals (SOMC/M) is a methodology employed to obtain bimetallic systems.In the present work the hydrogenation of ketones derived from acetophenone has been studied. The aim was observe the effect on activity and selectivity to aromatic alcohols by the presence of substituents in the ring. The chemical characteristics of substituents groups could influence the way aromatic ketones are absorbed on the metallic surface. This fact can be explained by a combination of geometric and electronic effects.

Adsorption modes of aromatic ketones on Pt surface.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (128 K)Download as PowerPoint slide