Hydrogenation of the Sodium Salt of 2-Oxo-4-(3-pyridyl)butenoic Acid on Palladium Black
We have studied the hydrogenation of the sodium salt of 2-oxo-4-(3-pyridyl)butenoic acid on palladium black in the temperature range 20-70°C in aqueous-alcohol medium. The products of the reaction are the sodium salts of 2-oxo-4-(3-pyridyl)butanoic acid and 2-hydroxy-4-(3-pyridyl)butanoic acid together with hydrogenolysis products. The reaction occurs via a series-parallel mechanism.