Studies on the hydrogenation of alkenes and alkynes using polymer coated silica†Pd catalysts

Palladium complexes of crosslinked polyacrylamide and poly‐N‐vinylimidazole coated on silica gel have been prepared and used as hydrogenation catalysts for alkenes, dienes and alkynes under ambient conditions. The characterisation of the catalysts, the kinetic and mechanistic aspects of the hydrogenation of a few substrates, the effect of temperature, selectivity and the recycling efficiency of the catalysts are presented. A comparison of their activity is made with other silica supported and silica free polymer‐Pd catalysts. Copyright © 1993 Society of Chemical Industry