Abstract

The preparation of a number of supported rhenium catalysts is reported. The determination of their activity and selectivity and of optimal reaction parameters for the reduction of maleic anhydride and crotonaldehyde is reported. Optimal time of hydrogenation was chosen as one hour and pressures were chosen as 2000 psig for crotonaldehyde and 3000 psig for maleic anhydride. Quantitative reduction of maleic anhydride to tetrahydrofuran occurred at 275° with charcoal supported rhenium catalysts. Lower temperatures (ca. 200°) produce quantitative amounts of butyrolactone. Unsupported catalysts at low temperatures (100°) selectively reduce crotonaldehyde to crotyl alcohol, but at very low conversion rates. Temperatures of 150° for unsupported and 180° for supported catalysts effect complete reduction of crotonaldehyde to mixtures of crotyl alcohol, butanal and butanols. Catalyst reuseability for both systems is discussed. Reaction pathways are also determined from the reduction data of intermediate products.

Degree

College and Department

Physical and Mathematical Sciences; Chemistry and Biochemistry

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