We report a novel method for development of magnetically recoverable catalysts prepared by thermal decomposition of palladium acetylacetonate in the presence of iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs). Depending on conditions, the reaction results either in a dispersed mixture of Pd and iron oxide NPs or in their aggregates. It was demonstrated that the Pd loading, reaction temperature, solvent, and iron oxide NP size and composition are crucial to control the reaction product including the degree of aggregation of Pd and iron oxide NPs, and the catalyst properties. The aggregation controlled by polarization and magnetic forces allows faster magnetic separation, yet the aggregate sizes do not exceed a few hundred nanometers, making them suitable for various catalytic applications. These NP mixtures were studied in a selective hydrogenation of 2-methyl-3-butyn-2-ol to 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol, demonstrating clear differences in catalytic behavior depending on the catalyst structure. In addition, one of the catalysts was also tested in hydrogenation of 3-methyl-1-pentyn-3-ol and 3-methyl-1-nonyn-3-ol, indicating some specificity of the catalyst toward different alkyne alcohols.
Keywords: hydrogenation; iron oxide nanoparticles; magnetically recoverable catalysts; palladium nanoparticles.