Complete hydrogenation of quinoline over hydroxyapatite supported ruthenium catalyst

Hydroxyapatite [HAP: Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2] and Ru(3 wt.%)/HAP were prepared by the precipitation method and impregnation method, respectively. Their composition and structure were characterized by XRD, XPS, ICP and TEM. The catalytic behavior of Ru(3 wt.%)/HAP for the hydrogenation of quinoline indicated that the catalyst with Ca/P = 1.38 was of the best catalytic activity. Under the optimum condition of reaction temperature of 150 °C and hydrogen pressure of 4 MPa, the yield of DHQ (decahydroquinoline) was up to 100% in 3 h. The high performance of this catalyst is attributed to the cooperation between the hydroxyl groups on support surface and active metal centers.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideThe complete hydrogenation of quinoline is carried out on Ru/HAP. The high performance of this catalyst is attributed to the cooperation between the hydroxyl groups on support surface and active metal centers.Research Highlights
► Ru/HAP catalyst is firstly used for the hydrogenation of quinoline.
► The catalyst shows an unprecedented activity for the complete hydrogenation of quinoline with the quite low temperature and hydrogen pressure.
► Hydroxyl groups of the support play significant role in improving the catalytic activity and a possible mechanism is proposed.