Selective inhibition of benzyl ether hydrogenolysis with Pd/C due to the presence of ammonia, pyridine or ammonium acetate

Abstract Ammonia, pyridine and ammonium acetate were found to be extremely effective as inhibitors of Pd/C catalyzed benzyl ether hydrogenolysis. While olefin, Cbz, benzyl ester and azide functionalities were hydrogenated smoothly, benzyl ethers were not cleaved in the presence of these additives.