Partial Hydrogenation of Benzene to Cyclohexene: A Review for Ru‐Based Catalyst Design

Abstract Selective hydrogenation of benzene to cyclohexene is an economically advantageous, but thermodynamically and kinetically challenging reaction, and the key problem lies in the design of efficient and highly selective catalysts. In this review, we mainly summarize the reaction mechanism and kinetic characteristics of benzene hydrogenation to cyclohexene on Ru‐based catalyst to gain a deeper understanding of catalyst design. The influence of preparation method, Ru precursor, as well as the hydrophilicity, morphology, crystal phase, and active center of the support, on the electronic state of Ru, the adsorption‐desorption strength of cyclohexene, and the cyclohexene selectivity were systematically discussed. On the basis of describing the various existing reaction systems, we further review the challenges in current work and possible opportunities in future research.