We here demonstrate that amine-functionalized hydrophobic
cross-linked
polymer microsphere-supported palladium nanoparticles (Pd/NFHCPs)
are an efficient catalyst for the selective hydrogenation of citral
to citronellal. The R3-N groups in NFHCPs offer abundant
anchoring sites for the dispersion and stabilization of Pd nanoparticles.
In addition, the surface of NFHCPs is lipophilic and hydrophobic,
which is beneficial for mass transformation and diffusion. These characteristics
enable the catalyst to display high activity and stability for reducing
citral to citronellal under alkaline conditions. The effects of solvents,
different auxiliaries, and wettability on the catalytic performance
were systematically investigated, paving the way for its potential
industrial applications.