Designing a Green Replacement for the Lindlar Catalyst for Alkyne Semi-hydrogenation Using Silica-Supported Nickel Nanoparticles Modified by N-Doped Carbon

A lead- and palladium-free alternative to the Lindlar catalyst has been developed for industrially relevant alkyne semi-hydrogenation using silica-supported nickel nanoparticles modified by nitrogen-doped carbon. The optimal acts under mild conditions (5 bar H2, 100 °C, 4 h) selective of a range alkynes, including vitamin precursors that are important food supplements. Notably, this novel is alkynes in presence easily reducible groups such as carbonyl nitrile, which also makes it attractive other synthetic applications.