Catalytic behavior of supported Pd catalysts in the selective hydrogenation of campholenic aldehyde to naturanol

Selective catalytic reduction of campholenic aldehyde to naturanol was investigated over Sn- and Fe-doped SiO2, and Fe2O3-supported Pd catalysts. On Pd/SiO2 and Pd-Sn/SiO2 only saturated campholenic aldehyde is formed. Addition of Fe increases the C=O hydrogenation rate producing the corresponding unsaturated alcohol with a good selectivity. Also Fe2O3-supported catalysts were found to be more selective towards carbonyl hydrogenation. Addition of tin to Pd/Fe2O3 contributes to a further selectivity enhancement towards naturanol.