Enantioselective hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids on Pd nanocubes

Pd nanocubes of 6–19 nm in size were synthesized using a seeded growth method and examined for enantioselective hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids. It was found that the Pd nanocubes had two types of active sites on the planes and at the edges, respectively. Small nanocubes having a higher edge/plane ratio were more active in enantioselective hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated carboxylic acids, but afforded a lower enantioselectivity because their sharp edges could not offer stable adsorption of the chiral modifier and the reaction intermediates. In contrast, large nanocubes with a higher fraction of flat planes provided a higher enantioselectivity but a much lower activity.