Pt-FeOx/SiO2 catalysts prepared by galvanic displacement show high selectivity for cinnamyl alcohol production in the chemoselective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde

Galvanic displacement between SiO2-supported Fe particles and Pt2+ ions creates intimately interacting Pt-FeOx entities that are highly selective in catalyzing the hydrogenation of the carbonyl in cinnamaldehyde, offering a cinnamyl alcohol yield up to 95%.