Palladium nanoparticles supported onto stereocomplexed poly(lactic acid)-poly(ε-caprolactone) copolymers for selective partial hydrogenation of phenylacetylene

Palladium nanoparticles, generated by hydrogen reduction of Pd acetate, coordinated to a stereocomplexed 2,2′-bipyridine end-functionalized poly(lactic acid)-poly(ε-caprolactone) copolymer showed enhanced catalytic activity and chemoselectivity for the partial reduction of phenylacetylene compared to the reference system which did not contain the poly(ε-caprolactone). The obtained heterogeneous catalyst proved to be recyclable and suitable for selective phenylacetylene hydrogenation to styrene in solution and under solventless conditions.