Cyclohexanediones hydrogenation, selective

Diketones can be reduced usually in high selectivity to either an intermediate ketol or thediol (72). Selectivity to the ketol depends in large measure on both catalyst and solvent. In cyclohexane solvent, the maximal yield of ketol obtained on partial hydrogenation of biacetyl fell in the order 5% Pd-on-C (99%), 5% Rh-on-C (92%), 5% Pt-on-C (88%), 5% Ru-on-C (63%) from acetylacelone the descending order was 5% Pd-on-C (86%), 5% Rh-on-C (60%), 5% Ru-on-C(35%), 5% Pt-on-C (27%)(56) from 1,4-cyclohexanedione in isopropanol initial selectivity to the ketol fell in the sequence 5% Pd-on-SiO, (96%), 5% Ir-on-C (95%), 5% Ru-on-C (92%), 5% Pt-on-C (67%) (73). Generalizing from these data, it appears palladium is a good first choice to achieve maximal selectivity. 

Selective hydrogenation of a diketone. 4-Hydroxycyclohexanone has not been obtained in satisfactory yield by selective hydrogenation of 1,4-cyclohexanedione under homogeneous conditions. However it can be obtained in 70% yield by hydrogenation of the dione in 2-propanol with 5% ruthenium on silica. Some other metals (platinum, iridium) are more reactive, but less selective. 

The selective partial hydrogenation of symmetric cyclic diketones was accomplished by interrupting the reaction after the consumption of one equivalent of hydrogen, which indicates a stronger mode of adsorption for the diketone than for the ketol product. 2 The hydrogenation of 1,4-cyclohexanedione (30) to the ketol (Eqn. 18.23) was catalyzed by nickel, copper, palladium, platinum, iridium, and ruthenium. Iridium was the most active and selective of these catalysts. Hydrogenations run over this catalyst in iso-propanol at 20°C and 6 atmospheres... 

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