Selective Hydrogenation of 2-Methylbenzaldehyde Using Palladium Particles Generated in situ in Surfactant Exchanged Fluorotetrasilicic Mica

Palladium intercalated surfactant-exchanged fluorotetrasilicic mica (Pd-HDP-TSM) was synthesized by ion exchange of surfactant with TSM, intercalation and in situ reduction of palladium. This catalyst showed the highest selectivity to 2-methylbenzyl alcohol for the title reaction when compared with supported catalysts. Interestingly, in contrast with the supported catalysts, Pd-HDP-TSM catalysts do not favor the consecutive reaction yielding the hydrogenolysis products such as xylene and toluene.