High enantioselectivity in the asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones by a supported Pt nanocatalyst on a mesoporous modified MCM-41 support

Catalysts containing metal nanotubes were prepared by the adsorption of platinum metal nanotubes onto functionalized and modified silica surfaces (MCM-41 and fumed silica). (3-Chloropropyl)trimethoxysilane and cinchonidine were used for functionalization and modification, respectively. Potassium chloroplatinate was used as the metal precursor to impregnate platinum metal nanotubes on the pretreated functionalized and modified silica surfaces. The solid catalysts were characterized by ESEM, TEM, EDAX, and XPS. The MCM-41 supported platinum nanotube catalyst showed >98% to ∼100% enantioselectivity towards the hydrogenation of a range of pharmaceutically important chemicals such as methyl pyruvate, ethyl pyruvate, and acetophenone with nearly full conversion.

Graphical AbstractAn MCM-41 based Pt nanocatalyst gave the best results with >99% and 98% enantioselectivity in the asymmetric hydrogenation of methyl pyruvate and acetophenone, respectivelyFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide