Process of vapor phase catalytic hydrogenation of maleic anhydride to gamma-butyrolactone in high conversion and high selectivity using an activated catalyst
US5347021A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 19, 1991 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 19, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01J37/18
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Vapor phase catalytic hydrogenation of maleic anhydride to gamma-butyrolactone is achieved in a conversion of 95% or more and a selectivity of 80% or more during a prolonged period of production. The process uses an activated catalyst prepared by reducing a catalyst composition comprising 30-65% by weight of CuO, 18-50% by weight of ZnO and 8-22% by weight of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, and activating the reduced catalyst composition in hydrogen at an activation temperature of at least 400.degree. C., preferably 400.degree. to 525.degree. C., and optimally about 425.degree. C. The process suitably is carried out under predetermined and advantageous process conditions, including a defined molar ratio of hydrogen to maleic anhydride in the vapor reactant stream, a selected pressure during hydrogenation, a defined feed rate space velocity, a predetermined contact time, and a suitable reaction temperature.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.