Preparation of Pt/SWNTs for heterogeneous asymmetric hydrogenation of ethyl pyruvate

In order to be applied in heterogeneous asymmetric hydrogenation, a series of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWNTs)-supported Pt nanoparticle catalysts with different controlled Pt loadings, i.e. 5%, 10% and 20%, were prepared, and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). By modification with (−)-cinchonidine (Cd), these Pt/SWNTs catalysts were found to be efficient for the asymmetric hydrogenation of ethyl pyruvate, providing (R)-ethyl lactate in high activity and moderate enantioselectivity. Kinetic study showed that the Pt/SWNTs-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of ethyl pyruvate was a “ligand-accelerated” reaction.

Graphical abstractA series of SWNTs-supported Pt nanoparticle catalysts with different Pt loadings were prepared and applied in the asymmetric hydrogenation of ethyl pyruvate, providing (R)-ethyl lactate in high activity and moderate enantioselectivity.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide