Catalytic selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde to hydrocinnamaldehyde

Abstract The catalytic selectivity and activity of the catalyst PdCl 2 can be improved significantly by using PPh 3 as a ligand and NaBH 4 as a reducing agent in the selective hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde (CAL) to hydrocinnamaldehyde (HCAL) under atmospheric pressure. Adding a second transition metal component [NiCl 2 , Ni(OAc) 2 , Fe(acac) 3 , Co(OAc) 2 ] to the catalyst can improve its selectivity further. PdCl 2 –0.5Co(OAc) 2 –PPh 3 reduced by NaBH 4 is the best catalyst.