Generation of Hydrogen from Zero‐Valent Iron and Water: Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation of Olefins in Presence of Pd/C

A non‐hazordous and mild protocol was developed for an efficient reduction of alkenes to alkanes using “iron‐activated water” and catalytic Pd/C (2.5 mol %). Water functions as a hydrogen source without any external acid or base and in the absence of another solvent. The Pd/C catalyst was recovered and recycled. In the course of the reaction zero valent iron is oxidized to magnetite.