Demonstration of a novel method for the controlled deposition of metals onto surfaces by preparation of a Pd–Hg/SiO 2 catalyst for the selective hydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes

Treatment of silica gel that has SiH functional groups bonded to the surface, with methanolic PdCI2 and then aqueous Hg2S04 affords a new catalytic material for the chemo- and stereo-selective partial hydrogenation of alkynes to Z-alkenes with a high degree of functional group compatibility.