Chemoselective reduction with non-flammable gold catalyst

Tag : supported catalyst
08 Jul 2008 - Yong Cao and colleagues from Fudan University, Shanghai, havediscovered that the non-flammable Au/TiO2 demonstrates greatpotential for catalytic transfer hydrogenation.

Traditionally this transformation relies on the use of homogeneoustransition metal complexes, which are not very practical, Caoexplains. Although several heterogeneous catalysts have beenreported (which can be separated and reused) they are generally notas active as the homogeneous catalysts, and are either flammable ormoisture-sensitive. Therefore an efficient heterogeneous catalystfor transfer reduction, that can be easily handled or stored underambient conditions, is very desirable.

This supported gold catalyst is highly efficient and chemoselectivefor the reduction of carbonyl and nitro groups under transferhydrogenation conditions. Cao and colleagues conducted fivesuccessive runs without any drop in the reaction rate,demonstrating the efficiency and stability of the new catalyst.