Study on Deactivation by Sulfur and Regeneration of Pd/C Catalyst in Hydrogenation of N-(3-nitro-4-methoxyphenyl) Acetamide

Deactivation of Pd/C catalyst often occurs in liquid hydrogenation using industrial materials. For instance, the Pd/C catalyst is deactivated severely in the hydrogenation of N-(3-nitro-4-methoxyphenyl) acetamide. In this study, the chemisorption of sulfur on the surface of deactivated Pd/C was detected by energy dispersive spectrometer and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Sulfur compounds poison the Pd/C catalyst and increase the formation of azo deposit, reducing the activity of catalyst. We report a mild method to regenerate the Pd/C catalyst: wash the deposit by N,N-dimethylformamide and oxidize the chemisorbed sulfur by hot air. The regenerated Pd/C catalyst can be reused at least ten runs with stable activity.