Work

Decatungstate-photocatalyzed transfer hydrogenation of unsaturated compounds using alcohol as the hydrogen source

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We present a simple and efficient photocatalytic method for the transfer hydrogenation of alkenes and alkynes using alcohol as the hydrogen source and inexpensive decatungstate as the photocatalyst. Our approach operates under mild, ambient conditions and demonstrates broad substrate compatibility, accommodating alkyl, aryl, and heteroatom-substituted alkenes and alkynes. To our knowledge, this study represents the first instance of using tungsten-based catalysts for the transfer hydrogenation of alkenes. Notably, the decatungstate/alcohol catalytic system exhibits excellent chemoselectivity, enabling selective hydrogenation of alkenes and alkynes even in the presence of reactive groups like ketones and carboxylic acids. These features highlight the considerable potential of this approach for practical and sustainable applications in organic synthesis.

Source: Nature Communications

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-67482-1