Partial Hydrogenation of Benzene to Cyclohexene over Supported Ruthenium Carbonyl Cluster-Derived Catalysts

摘要

Cyclohexene, having a highly reactive double bond, is an important intermediate for various chemical products. We have developed a principal technology and commercialized for highly selective partial hydrogenation of benzene to cyclohexene [1]. The commercial catalyst consists of non-supported ruthenium particles containing a zinc compound and metal oxides as dispersing agents. The use of a zinc salt of strong acid as a co-catalyst exhibited a remarkable effect to enhance the selectivity. A tetraphase reaction media (vapor-oil-water-solid) is necessary for the partial hydrogenation. Cyclohexene yield of up to 60% was obtained with this catalyst system [2].