DFT simulations have uncovered the origin of the highly selective character of gold nanoparticles in hydrogenation of triple bonds. This is
ascribed to the better adsorption of C≡C at the edges of Au nanoparticles compared with C=C. Since the barriers for hydrogenation of triple
and double bonds on gold are comparable, selectivity is determined by the binding energy of the reactants. The situation is less favorable over
palladium (commercial hydrorefining catalyst), because both C=C and C≡C bonds are adsorbed on the Pd surface. The outcome of the simulations
was demonstrated experimentally in mixtures with both propyne and propylene over a Au/CeO2 catalyst, where C3H6 selectivities up to 95% were
attained. Our finding opens a new path for chemoselective hydrogenation of molecules containing -yne and -ene groups on gold, with prospective
application in petrochemical operations and in the fine chemical industry.