A thermoregulated phase-transfer ruthenium nanocatalyst for the atmospheric hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated ketones

The selective hydrogenation of chalcone to dihydrochalcone under atmospheric hydrogen pressure is investigated using a thermoregulated phase-transfer ruthenium nanocatalyst, representing the first ruthenium nanocatalyst used for this reaction. Under the optimal conditions, the conversion of chalcone into dihydrochalcone and the selectivity are 98% and >99%, respectively. The ruthenium catalyst can be easily separated from the product and recycled three times without any decrease in the conversion or selectivity. The turnover frequency is higher than that of a reported ruthenium complex catalyst. The thermoregulated phase-transfer ruthenium nanocatalyst is also applied for the atmospheric hydrogenation of other α,β-unsaturated ketones.