Tandem semi-hydrogenation/isomerization of propargyl alcohols to saturated carbonyl analogues by dodecanethiolate-capped palladium nanoparticle catalysts

The efficient one-pot conversion of propargyl alcohols to their saturated carbonyl analogues is carried out for the first time using metal nanoparticle catalysts, dodecanethiolate-capped Pd nanoparticles. Kinetic studies reveal that the reaction progresses through a semi-hydrogenation intermediate (allyl alcohols) followed by isomerization to carbonyls.