Catalytic performances of platinum containing PLLA macrocomplex in the hydrogenation of alpha, beta -unsaturated carbonyl compounds

The synthesis of a bipyridine poly(lactic acid) carboxylic end-capped macroligand coordinated to a platinum center was reported. The reaction between the metal ion and the polymeric ligand was run in a very efficient way through a one-step synthesis and the complex was tested for selective hydrogenation of alpha,beta-carbonyl compounds. High selectivity was proven for double bond hydrogenation of 2-cyclohexen-1-one (up to 99%) and the production of 1-butanol from (E)-but-2-enal. Moreover, the catalytic system was still active after three catalytic cycles.