Platinum-Catalyzed Facile Arene Hydrogenation: Dramatic Effect of Activated Carbon and Vinylsiloxane Derivatives on the Catalyst Efficiency

Combination of Karstedt's catalyst or Pt(dba)(2) [dba: dibenzylideneacetone] with activated carbon was found to be an efficient catalyst system for the arene hydrogenation of a variety of functionalized aromatic compounds. The reaction proceeds at ambient temperature under atmospheric hydrogen pressure to afford the corresponding carbo- and heterocyclic compounds in good to high yields without contamination of the metallic species. The addition of activated carbon in the reaction mixture was proved to be crucial for not only sustaining the catalytic activity but also trapping the platinum species effectively after the reaction. Similar sustaining effect was observed by the addition of vinyl siloxane derivatives.