Chemoselective hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes with modified Pd/C catalyst

Selective hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes with modified Pd/C catalyst was developed. The reduction of CO bond could be efficiently inhibited by the addition of carbonates, and high selectivity to the corresponding saturated aldehydes was achieved under mild conditions. This protocol provides an alternative for efficient preparation of saturated aldehydes.