Metallic and bimetallic nanoparticles were designed using sustainable synthetic procedures, and developed to efficiently drive tandem hydrogenation and acetalization reactions of model carbonyl compounds. The conversions are essential models for organic reactions that require carbonyl protection. A series of aldehydes and ketones were selected including cinnamaldehyde, hydrocinnamaldehyde, hexylcinnamaldehyde, decanal, benzaldehyde, and benzophenone. The reactions were optimized and carried out under ambient pressure and room temperature. The catalysts led to high yields, ranging from 80 – 90%, of acetyls and ketals. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques were used to characterize the acetalization intermediate(s) and product(s). The catalysts were recyclable and could be reused for 8 catalytic cycles without significant decline in the selectivity or the efficiency.

Green active and selective nanoscale catalysts for tandem hydrogenation and acetalization of carbonyls

254th National Meeting (2017)

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