Catalytic Pathways and Periodic Reactivity Trends for the Hydrogenation of Acetic Acid in Condensed Phase on Transition Metal Clusters

Catalytic hydrogenation of acetic acid on dispersed transition metal clusters in aqueous phase forms ethanol and light alkanes via competitive H addition and the C-C bond cleavage routes at rates and selectivities that are mediated by the binding strengths of carbon to transition metal surface.