Modified cellulose with tunable surface hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity as a novel catalyst support for selective reduction of nitrobenzene

Cellulose with tailorable hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity were synthesized by grafting F-containing groups and utilized as supports for palladium nanoparticles. The obtained catalysts were applied in the synthesis of N-phenylhydroxylamine from controllable reduction of nitrobenzene. Unexpectedly high conversion and selectivity could be achieved with 25 ppm Pd catalyst at room temperature in water. The precise modification of the catalyst surface is crucial to realize this targeted transformation. Further investigation indicated that modified cellulose with a more hydrophobic surface would favour the adsorption of nitrobenzene over N-phenylhydroxylamine thus prevent full hydrogenation to aniline.