Preparation of iron-doped ruthenium-on-carbon catalysts, used for selective liquid hydrogenation of carbonyls to corresponding alcohols, involves reducing in hydrogen stream and forming catalyst in difficultly-flammable liquid

摘要

Two methods are claimed for the production of ruthenium/iron/carbon carrier catalysts containing 0.1-5 wt.% iron as well as 0.1-10 wt.% ruthenium on a carbon carrier. Two methods are claimed for the production of ruthenium/iron/carbon carrier catalysts containing 0.1-5 wt.% iron as well as 0.1-10 wt.% ruthenium on a carbon carrier. The first method involves: (i) addition of a base to a mixture in water of the carrier and a solution containing the catalytically-active ruthenium and iron components so as to effect simultaneous precipitation onto the carrier; (ii) separating the catalyst from the aqueous phase of the suspension; (iii) drying the catalyst; (iv) reducing in a hydrogen stream at 400-600 degreesC; and (v) forming the catalyst in a difficultly-flammable liquid or passivating it with a diluted air stream. The second method proceeds as per step (i) above but this is followed by: (iia) reduction of the catalyst by addition of an aqueous reductant; (iiia) separating from the aqueous phase of the suspension; and (iva) washing with water. An Independent claim is included for the use of the catalyst is in selective liquid hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds of formula R1C(O)R2 (I) to the corresponding alcohols of formula R1C(OH)HR2 (II). R1 and R2 = H, optionally mono- or poly-unsaturated, optionally substituted 1-20C alkyl, optionally substituted aryl or optionally substituted heterocyclic group.