PURPOSE: To obtain gamma-butyrolactone selectively at high temperature under high pressure in one step by using a catalyst comprising nickel and palladium deposited on a silica-based support having a high specific surface area in the catalytic hydrogenation of maleic anhydride in a liquid phase.
CONSTITUTION: Maleic anhydride is catalytically hydrogenated by contact with hydrogen in a liquid phase at high temperature under high pressure in the presence of a catalyst comprising nickel and palladium deposited on a silica-based support having a specific surface area of 50 m2/g or above, desirably 100 m2/g or above, more desirably about 100 to 800 m2/g to obtain gamma-butyrolactone from the starting material at very high conversion and selectivity in one step. The catalyst has very excellent stability and can be recirculated many times without a substantial decrease in catalyst performance. It is desirable that the support has an SiO2 content of 70-100 wt.% and that the remainder comprises other refractory inorganic oxides, especially substantially pure silica.
PIEERU YAKOBUSU
YOHAN MARUTENZU
POORU TASUTENHOIE
IBAN BANDEN EINDE
AUGUSUTO BAN GIISERU
