PdNP@Titanate Nanotubes as Effective Catalyst for Continuous-Flow Partial Hydrogenation Reactions

Pd nanoparticles were easily immobilized onto titanate nanotubes by a straightforward procedure. The material (0.50wt% Pd) was used as catalyst in the continuous-flow, liquid-phase hydrogenation reaction of unsaturated C-C bonds and it showed excellent performance and durability under very mild conditions (room temperature, 1-2bar H-2, residence time 13-36s). In particular, very high productivity was obtained in the synthesis of the perfumery component cis-3-hexen-1-ol (40.6molg(Pd)(-1)h(-1)) without additives or metal contamination, with clear benefits in terms of process economy and environmental impact compared with conventional catalysts. The catalyst performance is discussed in the light of comparable systems.