Copper-based hydrogenation catalysts

A further example of a bifunctional base-hydrogenation catalyst for methanol has recently been reported by Union Carbide (ref. 44). Their homogeneous catalyst consists of a Cu+ compound and an alkali methoxide, and the hydrogenation component is believed to be the copper hydride CuH. The alkali methoxide may then serve as a base that activates CO by a nucleophilic attack analogous to reaction (9)... 

Manufacture. Furfuryl alcohol has been manufactured on an industrial scale by employing both Hquid-phase and vapor-phase hydrogenation of furfural (56,57). Copper-based catalysts are preferred because they are selective and do not promote hydrogenation of the ring. 

The chemical complex includes the methanol plant, methyl acetate plant, and acetic anhydride plant. The methanol plant uses the Lurgi process for hydrogenation of CO over a copper-based catalyst. The plant is capable of producing 165,000 t/yr of methanol. The methyl acetate plant converts this methanol, purchased methanol, and recovered acetic acid from other Eastman processes into approximately 440,000 t/yr of methyl acetate. 

Hydrogenation Catalysts. The key to catalytic hydrogenation is the catalyst, which promotes a reaction which otherwise would occur too slowly to be useful. Catalysts for the hydrogenation of nitro compounds and nitriles are generally based on one or more of the group VIII metals. The metals most commonly used are cobalt, nickel, palladium, platinum, rhodium, and mthenium, but others, including copper (16), iron (17), and tellurium... 

The fixed-bed catalyst is a siUca-based extmdate containing precipitated iron oxide promoted with potassium and copper. The catalyst is activated by hydrogen reduction of most of the iron cataly2ed by small amounts of copper. As the catalyst is used, additional reduction occurs and Hagg carbide [12127 5-6] Fe C2, is formed. 

Copper-catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling reactions using mixed nanocluster catalysts have been studied recently. Copper-based catalysts were shown to be effective as reagents that can present an inexpensive and environmentally friendly alternative to noble metal catalysts. In the hydrogenation of cinnamic acid to corresponding alcohol, the selectivity can be varied by doping Sn with Rh colloid catalysts. A selectivity of 86% was achieved using a colloidal Rh/Sn (Rh/Sn = 1.5 1) catalyst on... 

Reuse et al. [24] applied a reactor carrying micro structured plates for methanol steam reforming over commercial copper-based low-temperature water-gas shift catalyst from Sud-Chemie. The reactor took up 20 plates made of FeCrAl alloy of size 20 mm x 20 mm x 0.2 mm. The channel size was 200 pm x 100 pm (Figure 2.5). The catalyst was conditioned by oxygen and hydrogen treatment. 

Methyl alcohol (methanol) is manufactured from a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen (synthesis gas), using a copper-based catalyst. 

Herrmann U, Emig G (1997) Liquid phase hydrogenation of maleic anhydride and intermediates on copper-based and noble metal catalysts. Ind Eng Chem Res 36 2885-2896... 

Saito M, et al. Development of copper/zinc oxide-based multicomponent catalysts for methanol synthesis from carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Appl Catal A Gen. 1996 138(2) 311—18. 

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