Abstract
A bi-metallic Rh-Sn(n-C4H9)2/SiO2 catalyst, obtained by the organometallic route, has been found to be extremely active and selective in the hydrogenation of citral (A: geranial and b: neral) to the corresponding unsaturated alcohols (geraniol and nerol). The synthesis of the “bimetallic catalyst” from the organometallic precursor as well as the kinetics of hydrogenation is described. A tentative explanation for the extremely high chemoselectivity (96% at 100% conversion) for the hydrogenation of the C=O double bond is given.