An investigation of heterogeneous base catalysed acetone conversion

Al-Ghamdi, Khalaf (2011) An investigation of heterogeneous base catalysed acetone conversion. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

A series of materials have been compared for their activity in the base catalysed
condensation of acetone. Activities have been compared after extended times on stream
(18 h) and under a H2 containing atmosphere at elevated pressure which is designed to
mimic conditions applicable for the single stage transformation of acetone to MIBK. In
general, catalysts without a strong hydrogenation function have been screened and so
mesityl oxide is the dominant reaction product. However, 1%Pd5%MgO/SiO2 does exhibit
high selectivity towards MIBK, demonstrating that single-stage conversion is possible
under the conditions investigated.
Catalytic activity is found to be a strong function of the material tested. However, when the
influence of surface area is taken into account, a spectrum of area normalised conversion
rates is evident. These rates were found to vary in the order 36.5% KNO3/Al2O3 > Li/MgO
> 36.5% KNO3/ZrO2 > 36.5% KNO3/Zr(OH)4 > MgO derived from Mg(OH)2.MgCO3 >
14% KNO3/Al2O3 > MgO derived from Mg(OH)2 > 14% KNO3/Zr(OH)4 > ZrO2 > 14%
KNO3/ZrO2 > Y-Zr(OH)4.
When comparing materials produced from different precursors, differences in catalytic
behaviour are apparent implying structure-sensitivity and/or the influence of different
impurity contents. The role of dopant, additional phase level and precursor phase has also
been examined demonstrating that all these parameters are important.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Catalyst, base, superbase,zirconia, MIBK, acetone
• Subjects: Q Science > QD Chemistry
• Colleges/Schools: College of Science and Engineering > School of Chemistry
• Supervisor's Name: Hargreaves, Dr. Justin and Jackson, Prof. David
• Date of Award: 2011
• Depositing User: MR KHALAF ALGHAMDI
• Unique ID: glathesis:2011-2878
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 30 Sep 2011
• Last Modified: 10 Dec 2012 14:01
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/2878