Highly selective hydrogenation of aromatic ketones to alcohols in water: effect of PdO and ZrO2

A simple method leading to well-defined Pd/ZrO₂ and PdO/ZrO₂ nanocomposites has been developed. An important effect of the zirconia carrier on the selectivity of Pd and PdO nanocomposites has been evidenced in acetophenone hydrogenation.