Selective hydrogenation of phenol and derivatives over an ionic liquid-like copolymer stabilized palladium catalyst in aqueous media

A combination of “water soluble” palladium nanoparticles stabilized by an ionic liquid-like copolymer and phosphotungstic acid synergistically promotes selective hydrogenation of phenol to cyclohexanone. The nanocatalyst preparation and selective phenol hydrogenation are successfully combined into a one-pot process in this research. Conversion exceeding 99% was achieved with >99% selectivity under an atmospheric pressure of hydrogen in aqueous media. Moreover, even at room temperature, >99% conversion and >99% selectivity could still be obtained. The generality of the catalyst system for this reaction was demonstrated by selective hydrogenation of other hydroxylated aromatic compounds with similar performance.