Palladium on carbon

Palladium on carbon, often referred to as Pd/C, is a form of palladium used as a catalyst.^[1] The metal is supported on activated carbon to maximize its surface area and activity.

Palladium on carbon

Names
Other names Palladium on carbon, Pd/C, Pd-C
Identifiers
CAS Number	7440-05-3
Properties
Appearance	Black powder
Solubility	Aqua regia
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Infobox references

Uses

Hydrogenation

Palladium on carbon is used for catalytic hydrogenations in organic synthesis. Examples include reductive amination,^[2] carbonyl reduction, nitro compound reduction,^[3][4] the reduction of imines and Schiff bases^[1] and debenzylation reactions.

Hydrogenolysis

Palladium on carbon is a common catalyst for hydrogenolysis. Such reactions are helpful in deprotection strategies. Particularly common substrates for hydrogenolysis are benzyl ethers:^[5]

Other labile substituents are also susceptible to cleavage by this reagent. ^[6]

Coupling reactions

Palladium on carbon is also used for coupling reactions. Examples include the Suzuki reaction and Stille reaction.^[7]

Preparation

A solution of palladium chloride and hydrochloric acid is combined with aqueous suspension of activated carbon. The palladium(II) is then reduced by the addition of formaldehyde.^[8] Palladium loading is typically between 5% and 10%. Often the catalyst mixture is stored moist.

See also

• Palladium black
• Platinum on carbon
• Platinum dioxide
• Rhodium-platinum oxide
• Lindlar catalyst
• Raney nickel
• Urushibara nickel