Supported Ni and Ru catalysts for hydrogenation of p-isobutyl acetophenone : a catalyst comparison study

Abstract

The hydrogenation of p-isobutyl acetophenone was studied using supported Ni as well as Ru catalysts. A 10%Ni/HY and 2%Ru/Al₂O₃ catalysts were found to be optimum for the present study. The effect of partial pressure of hydrogen and initial concentration of p-isobutyl acetophenone (p-IBAP) on the initial rate were investigated at different temperatures for both the catalysts. It was observed that, in case of Ni supported on zeolite Y catalysts, the interactions of the zeolite support with the intermediate products formed and the solvent moieties led to drastic differences in the selectivity pattern. When supported Ru catalysts were used, the aromatic ring hydrogenation took place leading to changes in the selectivity pattern. The activity of these catalysts are compared and the results discussed.