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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