Selective Hydrogenation of Aldehydes and Ketones

The selective hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes and ketones catalyzed by metal nanoparticles is reviewed with an emphasis on the recent advances in this area. Key issue is the selectivity for allyl alcohol formation. General trends in the use of conditions, ligands and co-catalysts were observed. In spite of the progress achieved in the last two decades, there is still a quest for cost-effective, selective and fast new catalysts.