Selective hydrogenation of exocyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones:: Part I. Hydrogenations over palladium

Exocyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones were hydrogenated to the corresponding saturated ketones with Pd catalysts. The effect of solvents, basic and poisoning additives and various supports on conversion and selectivity was investigated. The conditions, under which the reaction afforded the saturated ketones with complete selectivity and appropriate reaction rate, were determined. The highest selectivities were obtained over Pd/C, in toluene, at atmospheric pressure and in the presence of pyridine.