Chemoselective hydrogenation of alpha,beta-unsaturated sulfones and phosphonates via palladium-assisted hydrogen transfer by ammonium formate

A study was conducted to determine the applicability of ammonium formate/Pd-C in reducing the C=C bond in alpha,beta-unsaturated sulfones and phosphonates. The results showed that the substituents on the aromatic ring do not affect the process of hydrogenation. The method led to high yields of products at mild reaction conditions. It is also operationally simple and the reagents are easily available and relatively cheaper.