PdNP@Titanate nanotubes as effective catalyst for continuous flow partial hydrogenation reactions

Pd nanoparticles were easily immobilized onto titanate nanotubes by a straightforward procedure. The material (0.50% wt Pd) was used as catalyst in the continuous-flow, liquid-phase hydrogenation reaction of unsaturated C-C bonds showing excellent performance and durability under very undemanding conditions (room temperature, 1-2 bar H2, residence time 13-36 s). Particularly, very high productivity was obtained in the synthesis of the perfumery component cis-3-hexen-1-ol (40.6 mol gPd-1 h-1) without additives nor metal contamination, with clear benefits in terms of process economy and environmental impact compared to conventional catalysts. The catalyst performance was discussed in the light of that of comparable systems.