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From Chapter 2 of Catalytic Hydrogenation in Organic Syntheses:
Highly stereospecific hydrogenations of acetylenes to cis-olefins can be achieved with a nickel (P2) catalyst, prepared by sodium borohydride reduction of nickel acetate in ethanol, and ethylenediamine as a promoter.
The Wikipedia article on nickel boride describes two forms, P-1 and P-2, differing in their ratio of $\ce{Ni2B}$ to $\ce{NaBO2}$.
What is the origin of the names "P1" and "P2"? Does it have to do with whether the catalysts add hydrogen in a syn or anti fashion?
2026-10-28
