Amine-Functionalized Hydrophobic Cross-Linked Polymer-Supported Palladium Nanoparticles: An Efficient Catalyst for the Selective Hydrogenation of Citral to Citronellal

We here demonstrate that amine-functionalized hydrophobic cross-linked polymer microsphere-supported palladium nanoparticles (Pd/NFHCPs) are an efficient catalyst for the selective hydrogenation of citral to citronellal. The R3-N groups in NFHCPs offer abundant anchoring sites for the dispersion and stabilization of Pd nanoparticles. In addition, the surface of NFHCPs is lipophilic and hydrophobic, which is beneficial for mass transformation and diffusion. These characteristics enable the catalyst to display high activity and stability for reducing citral to citronellal under alkaline conditions. The effects of solvents, different auxiliaries, and wettability on the catalytic performance were systematically investigated, paving the way for its potential industrial applications.