Regularities of Pd/C-catalyzed reduction of trichlorobiphenyls with 2-propanol in basic medium

Reduction of a series of trichlorobiphenyls with 2-propanol in basic medium catalyzed by Pd/C has been studied. Regioselectivity of the reduction has been determined. In the studied cases, the chlorine atom in para or meta positions of the more substituted ring has been more reactive. Using isotope labeling, it has been demonstrated that the reaction occurs via the stage of 2-propanol dehydration on palladium catalyst, followed by catalytic hydrogenation of the polychlorinated biphenyls.