Alkynol Semi‐Hydrogenation: From Methylbutynol Model Studies to 1,4‐Butynediol Industrial Challenges

ABSTRACT The semi‐hydrogenation of 1,4‐butynediol (BYD) faces significant industrial challenges. These challenges include side reactions and poor stability. To overcome these bottlenecks, this review leverages the well‐studied methylbutynol (MBY) model system. MBY serves as a catalytic laboratory for atomic‐scale mechanistic studies and characterization validation. Universal design principles can be distilled from this system. These principles include electronic modulation and microenvironment engineering. Through a critical comparison of MBY and BYD, this review analyzes how these principles can be applied to BYD's specific challenges. Such electronic and spatial engineering strategies aim to guide the rational design of efficient, stable, and green catalysts for industrial BYD conversion.