Abstract
The continuous gas phase hydrogenation of benzonitrile has been studied over Pd/C and Pd/Al2O3 (mean Pd size = 2.5–3.0 nm from STEM). Toluene was the predominant product over Pd/C whereas benzylamine was preferred over Pd/Al2O3. This is linked to differences in Pd electronic character (from XPS) that impact on nitrile adsorption. Greater surface acidity and hydrogen availability (based on chemisorption/TPD) for Pd/C resulted in higher conversion rates. Operation at lower contact time for multiple Pd/Al2O3 beds in series promoted exclusive formation of benzylamine at an appreciably higher rate than reported in the literature.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 109-116 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Catalysis Letters |
Volume | 146 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 9 Dec 2015 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jan 2016 |