Vapor-phase synthesis of 3-pentanone from 1-propanol over CeO2–Fe2O3 catalysts was investigated, and the reaction pathway was discussed in comparison with the reactions of propanal and n-propyl propionate over the CeO2–Fe2O3. 1-Propanol was preferentially converted into 3-pentanone over the CeO2–Fe2O3 catalysts at 450 °C, and propanal, 3-hydroxy-2-methylpentanal, and n-propyl propionate were observed as by-products. The addition of Fe2O3 to CeO2 enhances the ability of CeO2 for the catalytic dehydrogenation of 1-propanol to propanal without losing the ability for the dimerization of propanal. The turnover frequency (TOF) based on a basic site varies with Fe content. Both the selectivity–conversion curves and similarity in the TOF between the reactants of 1-propanol at 450 °C and propanal at 400 °C suggest that propanal is an initial intermediate converting into the final product, 3-pentanone. The formation of 3-pentanone from 1-propanol over the CeO2–Fe2O3 proceeds via aldol addition of propanal into 3-hydroxy-2-methylpentanal, followed by the decomposition into 3-pentanone, while n-propyl propionate is formed as a mere by-product.

Synthesis of 3-pentanone from 1-propanol over CeO2–Fe2O3 catalysts

Metal oxide catalysts are active for aldol condensation reactions of aldehydes and ketones but typically exhibit rapid deactivation. In this study, aldol condensation with dehydration of acetaldehyde to produce crotonaldehyde was catalyzed by oxidized TiO2 anatase. Particular emphasis was placed on determination of product selectivities and reaction kinetics as a function of both conversion and the extent of catalyst deactivation. Condensation of acetaldehyde is rapid and selective on anatase TiO2, with turnover frequencies exceeding 0.03 s−1 and crotonaldehyde selectivities approaching 100%. The main side reactions generating volatile products are: (a) hydrogenation of the reactant and product aldehydes, (b) a secondary cross-esterification between crotonaldehyde and acetaldehyde to form ethyl crotonate, and (c) secondary condensations involving crotonaldehyde. Catalyst deactivation was observed to affect both the rate of reaction and the product selectivities, particularly at low values of time-on-strea...

Kinetics, Selectivity, and Deactivation in the Aldol Condensation of Acetaldehyde on Anatase Titanium Dioxide

Ortho-Selective Alkylation of Phenol with 1-Propanol Catalyzed by CeO2–MgO

Conversion of ethanol to acetone over promoted iron oxide catalysis

Ketonization of oxygenated hydrocarbons on metal oxide based catalysts

Reaction of benzaldehyde with other carbonyl compounds over thoria and mixed oxides of thoria: Development of an effective catalyst and a process for the conversion of benzaldehyde to phenyl alkyl ketones

N. Venkatasubramanian

Papers

Reaction of benzaldehyde with other carbonyl compounds over thoria and mixed oxides of thoria: Development of an effective catalyst and a process for the conversion of benzaldehyde to phenyl alkyl ketones

Hydrogen transfer reactions: IV. Substituent effect in the reduction of benzaldehydes by isopropyl alcohol catalyzed by alumina

Hydrogen transfer reactions: VI. Dependence of the catalytic activity of alumina on Na+ content and amine poisoning☆