A Palladium Nanoparticle-Nanomicelle Combination for the Stereo-selective Semihydrogenation of Alkynes in Water at Room Temperature

The addition of NaBH4 to Pd(OAc)(2) in water containing nanomicelles leads to the generation of H-2 and Pd nanoparticles. Subsequent reduction of disubstituted alkynes affords Z-alkenes in high yields. These reactions are general, take place in water at ambient temperatures, and offer recycling of the aqueous reaction mixture along with low overall E Factors.