Amorphous CoS polyhedron endow efficient electrocatalytic semi-hydrogenation of acetylene

The semi-hydrogenation of alkynes with high chemo and regioselectivity represents a significant yet challenging aspect in the synthesis of functionalized alkenes. A straightforward hydrothermal technique was utilized to synthesize amorphous cobalt sulfide polyhedra (CoS x ). This material facilitates the electrocatalytic semi-hydrogenation of terminal alkynes in water, particularly those possessing reducible groups such as C-I, C-Br, C-Cl, and C-O. The process yields impressive results, with a conversion rate of up to 99 % and a selectivity of as high as 95 %. Moreover, it demonstrates a wide substrate scope and excellent compatibility with a variety of functional groups. The high conversion rate of alkynes, coupled with the high selectivity for alkenes, and the catalyst's excellent versatility, collectively underscore the potential of our method.