Hydrogenation of 2-butyne-1,4-diol to butane-1,4-diol in supercritical carbon dioxide

Hydrogenation of 2-butyne-1,4-diol to butane-1,4-diol has been successfully conducted in supercritical carbon dioxide at 323 K with a high selectivity of 84% for butane-1,4-diol at 100% conversion. No catalysts are needed since the reaction is promoted by the stainless steel reactor wall.