Dehydrogenation of 1,3-butanediol over Cu-based catalyst

Vapor-phase dehydrogenation of 1,3-butanediol into 4-hydroxy-2-butanone was examined over copper catalysts modified with ZnO, ZrO2, Al2O3, and MgO. 4-Hydroxy-2-butanone was efficiently produced by the dehydrogenation of 1,3-butanediol over pure Cu and Cu/ZnO catalysts. However, the selectivity to 4-hydroxy-2-butanone decreases with increasing conversion of 1,3-butanediol, while the selectivity to butanone increases. Addition of Al2O3 and ZrO2 to the catalysts decreases the selectivity to 4-hydroxy-2-butanone because of the enhancement of dehydration of 4-hydroxy-2-butanone into 3-buten-2-one and the following hydrogenation into butanone. An addition of basic MgO increases the formation of propanone via the retro-aldol reaction of 4-hydroxy-2-butanone.

Vapor-phase dehydrogenation of 1,3-butanediol to 4-hydroxy-2-butanone was examined over copper catalysts modified with ZnO, ZrO2, Al2O3, and MgO. Pure Cu and Cu/ZnO efficiently catalyzed the formation of 4-hydroxy-2-butanone in the dehydrogenation of 1,3-butanediol. Addition of Al2O3, ZrO2 and MgO to the copper catalyst decreases the selectivity to 4-hydroxy-2-butanone because of the formation of butanone.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide