Palladium nanoparticles supported by functionalized metal-organic framework: an excellent recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of commercially important rose essence, 2-phenyl ethanol.

Palladium nanoparticles on ethylenediamine-grafted functionalized chromium-based metal organic framework (Pd-ED-MIL-101) was tested for the hydrogenation of styrene oxide to 2-phenylethanol, the key ingredient of the rose essence. The catalyst was found as an excellent heterogeneous recyclable catalyst for selective hydrogenation of styrene oxide to 2-phenylethanol (100% conversion and ∼100% selectivity) within 2 h in methanol with a catalyst loading only 0.25 mol % palladium at ambient pressure and temperature under molecular hydrogen. If the catalyst loading increases to 0.50 mol % palladium, the conversion time reduces to 1 h. In repeated runs (tested for 5 cycles) showed no loss of activity and selectivity of the catalyst. To the best of our knowledge, the performance of the present catalyst is one of the best compared to all other reported catalysts in terms of conversion, selectivity, reaction time, reaction conditions, purification, catalyst stability, catalyst loading, catalyst recyclability, safety and convenience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]