NanoRu@hectorite catalyzes the hydrogenation of aromatic amino acids in water.

l-phenylalanine is converted into l-cyclohexylalanine (>99%).

l-phenylglycine is converted into l-cyclohexylglycine (>99%).

The reaction also works with l-tyrosine and with l-tryptophan.

NanoRu@hectorite can be recovered and reused at least three times.