The role of support hydrophobicity in the selective hydrogenation of enones and unsaturated sulfones over Cu/SiO2 catalysts

The substitution of complex hydrides and Ni- and noble metal-based catalysts in the synthesis of pharma and fragrance products is a relevant topic in the green chemistry scenario. Here, we report that non-toxic, non-noble metal-based Cu/SiO2 catalysts are effective and very selective in the hydrogenation of a,?-unsaturated ketones, esters and sulfones under very mild conditions. Vanillyl acetone can be obtained in quantitative yield in 1 h at 90 °C and 1 bar of H2. High dispersion of the metallic phase and support wettability play a significant role in determining catalytic performance.