Iron-iron oxide core-shell nanoparticles are active and magnetically recyclable olefin and alkyne hydrogenation catalysts in protic and aqueous media.

We report for the first time the use of iron-iron oxide core-shell nanoparticles for the hydrogenation of olefins and alkynes under mild conditions in ethanol and in an aqueous medium. This catalyst proves robust towards the presence of oxidants, such as oxygen and water, is magnetically recoverable and shows selectivity towards the less activated double bonds.