eHydrogenation 2.0: Pd/C-Catalysed Hydrogenation of Alkenes and Alkynes without Externally Supplied H₂
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: We report an electrochemically driven Pd/C-catalysed method for the exhaustive hydrogenation of alkenes and alkynes without externally supplied H2. In an undivided cell, commercially available Pd/C in EtOH converts terminal and internal unsaturated substrates under mild constant-current conditions. Standard carbon-electrode/TFA conditions and a complementary Mg-anode/Et4NBF4 protocol furnish saturated products in up to quantitative yield while tolerating alcohols, ethers, esters, amides, sulfonamides, nitriles, phosphates, heterocycles, and carbon–halogen bonds. Most alkenes react at 4 F mol-1, whereas alkynes generally require 6 F mol-1. Coupling heterogeneous catalysis with electrochemical generation of reducing equivalents provides an operationally simple alternative to conventional hydrogenation with externally supplied H2.
Source: ChemRxiv
Language: English
Subfield: Organic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7211962777