Unconventional Pd@sulfonated silica monoliths catalysts for selective partial hydrogenation reactions under continuous flow

Doubly functionalized, hierarchical porosity silica monoliths were synthesized by post-grafting of sulfonic groups and in-situ growth of Pd nanoparticles in the order. PdNP of 3.1 nm size located in the mesopores of the material showed to be evenly distributed within 4.6% wt Pd monoliths. The system was explored in the continuous flow, catalytic partial hydrogenation reaction of 3-halogeno-nitrobenzenes and 3-hexyn-1-ol in the liquid phase, showing remarkable conversion, selectivity and resistance under very mild conditions.