Inexpensive and rapid hydrogenation catalyst from CuSO4/CoCl2 — Chemoselective reduction of alkenes and alkynes in the presence of benzyl protecting groups

The simple reduction of a number of alkenes and alkynes was performed with a typical reaction time of 20 min using a copper-cobalt catalytic system. The reduction did not cleave benzyl protecting groups which are usually vulnerable to catalytic hydrogenation reactions. The catalyst can be prepared in situ by reduction of the inexpensive precursor salts CuSO4 and CoCl2 with NaBH4. Sodium borohydride was also used as an easily handled hydrogen source for the catalytic reductions. No pressure, heating or inert atmosphere is required and purification/catalyst removal is achieved using extraction procedures, making this approach simple and efficient.