Single step catalytic production of diisopropyl ether (DIPE) from acetone feedstock over nickel based catalysts

Single step production of DIPE as oxygenates from acetone feed stock was evaluated by employing Ni–Cu and Ni–Cu–Cr supported on H-zeolite-β catalysts. The influence of experimental parameters like effect of amount of catalyst loading, hydrogen pressure, reduction temperature of the precursor, volume of acetone and temperature on DIPE production is studied. Ni–Cu (25 wt.%) metal supported on H-zeolite-β catalyst shows higher activity. The dependence of the yield of DIPE on the other loadings has also been studied. The reduction temperature of the catalyst precursor is found to be less significant above 573 K. A moderate reaction temperature in the range of 433–453 K and hydrogen pressure (30–80 bar) favor the higher yield of DIPE. Ni–Cu–Cr/H-zeolite-β is also found to be active for the production of DIPE from acetone.