A thermoregulated phase-transfer ruthenium nanocatalyst for the atmospheric hydrogenation of α,β-unsaturated ketones

The selective hydrogenation of chalcone to dihydrochalcone under atmospheric hydrogen pressure is investigated using a thermoregulated phase-transfer ruthenium nanocatalyst, representing the first nanocatalyst used for this reaction. Under optimal conditions, conversion into and selectivity are 98% >99%, respectively. catalyst can be easily separated from product recycled three times without any decrease in or selectivity. turnover frequency higher than that reported complex catalyst. also applied other α,β-unsaturated ketones.