2020, Murugesan, Kathiravan, Chandrashekhar, Vishwas G., Kreyenschulte, Carsten, Beller, Matthias, Jagadeesh, Rajenahally V.

Herein, we report the synthesis of specific silica-supported Co/Co3O4 core–shell based nanoparticles prepared by template synthesis of cobalt-pyromellitic acid on silica and subsequent pyrolysis. The optimal catalyst material allows for general and selective hydrogenation of pyridines, quinolines, and other heteroarenes including acridine, phenanthroline, naphthyridine, quinoxaline, imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine, and indole under comparably mild reaction conditions. In addition, recycling of these Co nanoparticles and their ability for dehydrogenation catalysis are showcased. © 2020 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH GmbH