Mechanochemical Piezoelectric Catalysis: Advancing the Hydrogenation of Alkenes

ABSTRACT Alkene hydrogenation reactions are essential processes widely utilized across diverse scientific fields for the production of pharmaceuticals, natural products, and various functional materials. Current strategies (e.g., metal hydrogen atom transfer [mHAT], photo/electrochemistry) consistently necessitate compromises, invariably involving transition metals, pressurized H ₂ , or solvent‐intensive conditions. Herein, we report a mechanochemical hydrogenation reaction of both activated and unactivated alkenes via piezoelectric catalysis under conditions that are free from transition‐metals, H ₂ gas, and solvents. This approach exhibits good compatibility with various functional groups and demonstrates a broad substrate scope. In addition, the hydrogenation of bioactive molecule derivatives for modification purposes highlights its potential applications in the pharmaceutical industry. Based on mechanistic investigations, we propose a potential mechanism for the alkene hydrogenation via piezoelectric catalysis.