Cinnamaldehyde hydrogenation over carbon supported molybdenum and tungsten carbide catalysts.

The potential of carbon supported Mo and W carbides to replace Pt is shown for the hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde. Although the carbide catalysts are 4-6 times less active, both the carbides and Pt are selective towards CC hydrogenation. Unlike Pt, the carbides additionally form β-methylstyrene.