Unique catalytic properties of Ni–Ir alloy for the hydrogenation of N-heteroaromatics

Abstract

SiO₂-supported Ni–Ir alloy acted as an effective heterogeneous catalyst for the hydrogenation of pyridine to piperidine, providing about 16-fold higher activity based on the catalyst amount than monometallic Ir and Ni catalysts. The catalyst was applicable to the hydrogenation of pyridines and quinolines, giving corresponding piperidines and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines in high selectivities (up to >99.9%).