Fundamental aspects of alkyne semi-hydrogenation over heterogeneous catalysts

Alkyne semi-hydrogenation is extremely significant for the production of polymer-grade ethylene and lots of fine chemicals in modern industry. Many efforts had been devoted to regulate the electronic and geometric structure of active ensembles for suppressing side reactions, including over-hydrogenation and oligomerization. Several strategies, such as alloying, surface decoration, atomization of metal centers, and others, were developed to promote the selective production of target alkenes in alkyne hydrogenation. In this review, the basic principles within reaction mechanisms and catalyst optimization would be discussed in detail. And an updated perspective to the fabrication of next-generation catalysts for alkyne semi-hydrogenation is also provided.