A multi-functionally integrated modular catalyst for efficient chemoselective hydrogenation

Chemoselective hydrogenation of nitroarenes containing multiple reducible groups remains challenging due to the intrinsic activity–selectivity trade-off of conventional metal catalysts. Here we report a multi-functional Pt-based catalyst, modularly integrating molecular-sieving feedstock separation, hydrogen activation, intermediate transport and surface reaction like a nanofactory. Structurally, ~3 nm Pt nanoparticles supported on sodium titanate are encapsulated by oxygen vacancies-enriched TiOx overlayers that only permit hydrogen to adsorb on Pt particles for dissociation while preventing substrate contact. The generated active hydrogen species subsequently migrate to the catalyst surface and hydrogenate nitro groups adsorbed on surface Lewis basic oxygen vacancies, enabling an efficient condensation pathway while avoiding the use of corrosive and environmentally unfriendly alkaline solvents. The spatially decoupled yet functionally synergistic catalytic design achieves 90% 3-vinylaniline yield from 3-nitrostyrene under mild conditions with an unprecedented turnover frequency of 83,200 h−1, exceeding all previously reported metal catalysts, and exhibits broad generality toward diverse substituted nitroarenes. Collectively, these findings provide a powerful catalyst design strategy for steering complex reaction networks via spatially modular catalysis. Chemoselective hydrogenation of nitroarenes containing multiple reducible functional groups remains challenging because of the inherent activity–selectivity trade-off of conventional metal catalysts. Here, the authors report a multifunctional Pt-based catalyst that integrates molecular-sieving feedstock separation, hydrogen activation, intermediate transport, and surface reactions within a single catalytic system, enabling efficient chemoselective hydrogenation.