Selective hydrogenation of ,-unsaturated carbonyl compounds on silica-supported copper nanoparticles

Silica-supported copper nanoparticles prepared via surface organometallic chemistry are highly efficient for the selective hydrogenation of various ,-unsaturated carbonyl compounds yielding the corresponding saturated esters, ketones, and aldehydes in the absence of additives. High conversions and selectivities (>99%) are obtained for most substrates upon hydrogenation at 100-150 degrees C and under 25 bar of H-2.