Silica-supported iron oxide nanoparticles: unexpected catalytic activity in hydrogenation of phenylacetylene

Hydrogenation of phenylacetylene in liquid phase (100–150 °C, 6–20 bar H 2 ) over FeO x / SiO 2 catalysts prepared by thermal decomposition of ammonium trioxalatoferrate affords styrene with selectivities 70–80% depending on temperature and pressure.