Gold-Based Nanoparticulate Catalysts for the Oxidative Esterification of 1,4-Butanediol to Dimethyl Succinate

摘要

The effect of the reaction conditions and catalyst composition on the oxidation of 1,4-butanediol has been investigated. We have shown that gold and gold-palladium nanoparticles supported on titania can be effective catalysts for this oxidation reaction. We have demonstrated that the formation of butyrolactone, mefhyl-4-hydroxybutyrate and dimethyl succinate follow a sequential reaction pathway. We have also investigated the role of acid/base on the reaction and have shown a beneficial synergistic effect of alloying gold with palladium on both the conversion and selectivity towards dimethyl succinate.