GB876024A - Process for the manufacture of aldehydes and ketanes - Google Patents

Abstract

Aldehydes and ketones are produced by passing an olefine and oxygen, or a gas containing oxygen, over a catalyst containing a compound of a transition metal of the 5th to 8th groups or 1st sub-group of the Periodic System, the catalyst containing ions of the transition element and anions of strong acids, in the presence of steam or a substance capable of forming steam under the reaction conditions. Particularly good catalysts are those containing the compounds, especially the halides, of the platinum metals, in particular of palladium and rhodium. It is advantageous to use catalysts that contain, in addition to a compound of one of the platinum metals, compounds of other transition metals particularly those capable of existing in several valency states. Preferably the catalysts are deposited on supports having a large surface, e.g. active carbon, alumina, silica, pumice and silicates. The activity of the catalysts can be enhanced by the addition of acidic substances. The preferred temperature range for carrying out the process is 50-300 DEG C. and the preferred pressure range 0.1-20 atm. gauge. In the examples various catalysts are used for the conversion of ethylene to acetaldehyde, propylene to acetone, butines to methyl ethyl ketone and styrene to acetophenone.ALSO:Catalysts for use in the oxidation of olefines to the corresponding aldehydes or ketones comprise a compound of a transition metal of the 5th to 8th Group or 1st subgroup of the Periodic System, the catalyst containing ions of said transition metals and anions of strong acids. Preferred catalysts are those containing compounds, especially halides, of the platinum metals, particularly palladium and rhodium. It is advantageous to use catalysts that contain, in addition to a compound of one of the platinum metals, compounds of other transition metals, particularly those capable of existing in several valency states. Preferably the catalysts are deposited on supports having a large surface area, e.g. active carbon alumina, silica, pumice and silicates, e.g. montmorillonite. The activity of the catalysts is enhanced by the addition of acidic substances. The metallic salts may be obtained from the metals themselves under the reaction conditions. In the examples supported catalysts are prepared from palladium chloride alone or with one or more of ferric chloride or sulphate, cupric acetate chloride or sulphate manganous chloride, magnesium perchlorate or calcium carbonate or chloride; palladium phosphate with one or more of ferric chloride, manganese sulphate, copper sulphate, cobalt chloride or copper acetate; palladium and cupric bromides and ferric nitrate; cupro-hexaprom platinate; rhodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid; iridium and hydrochloric acid; ruthenium chloride and ferric chloride; VOSO4 with or without sodium hexahydroxy platinate; chloroauric acid and ferric chloride; ferric chloride alone or with platinum chloride; cupric bromide and chromic chloride.