PROCESS OF VAPOR PHASE CATALYTIC HYDROGENATION OF MALEIC ANHYDRIDE TO GAMMA-BUTYROLACTONE IN HIGH CONVERSION AND HIGH SELECTIVITY USING AN ACTIVATED CATALYST

摘要

The catalytic vapor phase hydrogenation of maleic anhydride to gamma-butyrolactone is carried out at a degree of conversion of 95% or more, and a selectivity of 80% or more for an extended period of production. The process of the invention consists in using an activated catalyst prepared by reduction of a catalyst composition comprising 30-65% by weight CuO, 18-50% wt ZnO and 8-22% by weight of Al2O3, and particularly, by activation of the catalyst composition in the hydrgène reduced to an activation temperature of at least 400 ° C, preferably 400 ° C to 525 ° C, and optimally about 425 ° C. The hydrogenation process is implemented under predetermined conditions and advantageous said method comprising a defined molar ratio between hydrogen and maleic anhydride in the stream of reactant vapor pressure chosen for the hydrogenation, Space velocities advantageously supply a predetermined contact time and a suitable reaction temperature.