Platinum/3,3´-thiodipropionic acid nanoparticles as recyclable catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of trans-cinnamaldehyde

•Pt nanoparticles (NPs) using 3,3´-thiodipropionic acid (TDPC) as protective agent.•The average crystallite size of the NPs was 6.0 nm.•First use of Pt/TDPC NPs as catalyst in the hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde.•Selectivity of 83% towards cinnamyl alcohol at complete substrate conversion.•Recycling of the catalyst with only slight losses in activity and selectivity.

Platinum nanoparticles as spherical aggregates were prepared by the reduction of a Pt(II) salt with hydrazine using 3,3´-thiodipropionic acid as a protective agent, and characterized by IR, XRF, XRD, and SEM where agglomerates have been visualized. The average crystallite size was 6 nm. For the first time such nanoparticles were evaluated as catalysts in the hydrogenation of unsaturated aldehydes. Hydrogenation of trans-cinnamaldehyde yielded cinnamyl alcohol with a selectivity of up to 83% at complete substrate conversion. At 30 °C, the catalyst could be recycled and reused for three runs with only slight losses in activity and selectivity.

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