Hydrogenation of ketones catalysts

Ketone hydrogenation is similar to aldehyde hydrogenation but is usually less facile due to increased steric hindrance and lower electrophilicity at the carbonul group. The process converts ketones to secondary alcohols and is vital in the pharameutical, fine chemical, and agrochemical sectors. Secondary alcohols are among the most important functional groups, serving both as key intermediates and as components in a wide range of molecules. Saturated aliphatic ketones can be hydrogenated to secondary alcohols with platinum and ruthenium catalysts. Ruthenium-based catalysts are often the preferred choice for water soluable ketones and for the use with alcohol solvents due to the minimised ether formation. Aromatic ketones are most effectively hydrogenated by palladium catalysts.

Johnson Matthey offers an extensive portfolio of catalysts designed for ketone hydrogenation