Palladium, typically supplied as a 5% supported black powder (e.g., on activated carbon), is a specialty catalyst widely used in organic chemistry for hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions. It enables the selective reduction of unsaturated bonds in alkenes, alkynes, nitro groups, and aromatic compounds under mild conditions, making it indispensable for synthesizing pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and agrochemicals.

In the chemical industry, this form of palladium facilitates complex organic transformations, including cross-coupling reactions (such as Suzuki, Heck, and Sonogashira) when adapted, but excels in heterogeneous catalysis for easy recovery and reuse. Its high activity, stability, and efficiency promote greener chemical processes in laboratory and industrial settings.