Hydrogenation of m-dinitrobenzene over Au catalysts on magnetic supports

• m-Phenylenediamine is produced selectively on gold on magnetic supports.
• Auδ– sites were evidenced on Au/Fe3O4-SiO2.
• The presence of Fen+ sites prevents the formation of intermediate hydroxylamines.
• Au/Fe3O4 and Au/Fe3O4-SiO2 catalysts are magnetically separable and easily recyclable.

The catalytic hydrogenation of m-dinitrobenzene (m-DNB) was studied using Au catalysts supported on oxides with magnetic properties. The catalysts were characterized by magnetic susceptibility measurements, XRD, N2 adsorption, TPR, and XPS analysis. The results showed that the gold nanoparticles supported on Fe3O4-SiO2 led to the formation of Auδ– sites. However, this type of site did not alter the catalytic behavior. The catalysts showed high activity and were easily separable. The presence of Fen+ sites prevented the formation of intermediate hydroxylamines.

Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (79 K)Download as PowerPoint slide