Selective Hydrogenation of Functionalized Alkynes to (E)-Alkenes, Using Ordered Alloys as Catalysts

Intermetallic Pd3Pb acts as a highly selective alkyne semihydrogenation catalyst that is greatly superior to the conventional Lindlar catalyst. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate an ideal adsorption property of Pd3Pb, where the surface holds alkynes while releasing alkenes. A tandem catalytic system that is comprised of Pd3Pb/SiO2 for alkyne semihydrogenation and RhSb/SiO2 for alkene isomerization allows one-pot (E)-alkene synthesis from a functionalized alkyne, which is the first success using heterogeneous catalysts. A variety of functionalized alkynes with aldehyde, ketone, carboxylic acid, and ester moieties are hydrogenated into the corresponding (E)-alkene in good to excellent yields under 1 atm H-2 at room temperature.