This review is dedicated to the memory of scientists Alima Kainekeevna Zharmagambetova and Sabira Gafurovna Mukhamedzhanova, whose pioneering contributions laid the foundation for the development of supported palladium catalysts and polymer–metal complexes for selective hydrogenation. The review summarizes fundamental studies on the design, preparation, characterization, and catalytic performance of supported palladium–polymer complexes developed between 1975 and 2000. Although these investigations preceded the emergence of modern concepts such as green chemistry and sustainable catalysis, many of the proposed approaches remain scientifically relevant and continue to influence the design of advanced heterogeneous catalysts.

Particular attention is given to the role of polymer ligands in controlling palladium dispersion, stabilizing metal nanoparticles, and preventing catalyst deactivation. The effects of inorganic oxide supports, including their acid–base properties and surface characteristics, on catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability are critically discussed. The review also analyzes the influence of catalyst preparation methods, polymer structure, metal precursor selection, and reduction conditions on the performance of immobilized palladium catalysts in hydrogenation reactions, especially for the selective hydrogenation of acetylenic alcohols.

The collected results demonstrate that the rational combination of polymer modifiers with oxide supports enables the preparation of highly active, selective, and reusable catalysts operating under mild reaction conditions. The fundamental concepts established in these early studies anticipated many principles of contemporary catalyst design, including improved metal utilization, catalyst durability, and environmentally friendly heterogeneous processes. By summarizing these achievements and highlighting their relevance to current research, this review provides a comprehensive perspective on the evolution of immobilized palladium catalysts and identifies promising directions for the development of next-generation catalytic systems for selective hydrogenation and fine chemical synthesis.