MAYNARD MANILA D (US)
BHATTACHARYYA ALAKANANDA (US)
MAYNARD MANILA D (US)
DE10252282A1 | 2004-05-27 | |||
EP0276012A2 | 1988-07-27 | |||
US4550185A | 1985-10-29 | |||
EP0400904A1 | 1990-12-05 | |||
GB1551741A | 1979-08-30 |
1. | A process for the production of at least one of 1 ,4 butanediol, gamma butyrolactone, and tetrahydrofuran comprising catalytically hydrogenating a hydrogenatable precursor in contact with a hydrogencontaining gas and a hydrogenation catalyst comprising at least one noble metal of Group VIII of the Periodic Table, selected from the group consisting of palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, iridium and platinum on a catalyst support comprising titanium dioxide, wherein at least about 70 weight percent of said titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystalline phase. |
2. | The process of claim 1 wherein the wherein the noble metal of Group VIII is selected from the group consisting of palladium, platinum, rhodium and ruthenium. |
3. | The process of claim 1 wherein the wherein the noble metal of Group VIII is palladium. |
4. | The process of claim 1 , wherein the hydrogenation catalyst comprises palladium and rhenium. |
5. | The process of claim 1 , wherein the hydrogenation catalyst comprises palladium and rhenium on a catalyst support comprising titanium dioxide, wherein at least about 85 weight percent of said titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystalline phase. |
6. | The process of claim 1 wherein the hydrogenatable precursor is selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid, succinic anhydride, succinic acid, dimethyl succinate, gammabutyrolactone and mixtures thereof. |
7. | The process of claim 6 wherein the hydrogenatable precursor is selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, maleic anhydride, succinic acid, succinic anhydride or mixtures thereof. |
8. | The process of Claim 1 wherein at least 90 weight percent of the titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystalline phase. |
9. | The process of Claim 1 wherein at least 95 weight percent of the titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystalline phase. |
10. | The process of Claim 4 wherein at least 90 weight percent of the titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystalline phase. |
11. | The process of Claim 4 wherein at least 95 weight percent of the titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystalline phase. |
12. | The process of claim 1 , wherein the ratio of hydrogen to hydrogenatable precursor is between about 5 to 1 and about 1000 to 1. |
13. | The process of claim 1 , wherein the hydrogencontaining gas pressure is between about 20 and 400 atmospheres. |
14. | The process of claim 1 , wherein the process is conducted at a temperature of from about 50°C. to about 35O0C. |
15. | The process of claim 1 , wherein the process is conducted at a temperature of from about 50°C. to about 2500C. |
16. | The process of claim 1 , wherein the contact time is between about 0.1 minute and 20 hours. |
17. | The process of claim 1 , wherein the catalyst comprises from about 0.01 to about 20 weight percent palladium. |
18. | The process of claim 1 , wherein the catalyst comprises from about 0.05 to about 8 weight percent palladium. |
19. | The process of claim 4, wherein the catalyst comprises from about 0.01 to about 20 weight percent palladium and from about 0.1 to about 20 weight percent rhenium. |
20. | The process of claim 4, wherein the catalyst comprises from about 0.2 to about 5 weight percent palladium and from about 0.5 to about 10 weight percent rhenium. |
21. | A process for the production of at least one of 1 ,4 butanediol, gamma butyrolactone, and tetrahydrofuran comprising catalytically hydrogenating a hydrogenatable precursor selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, maleic anhydride, succinic acid, succinic anhydride or mixtures thereof in contact with a hydrogencontaining gas and a hydrogenation catalyst comprising palladium and rhenium on a catalyst support comprising titanium dioxide, wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystalline phase. |
22. | The process of Claim 21 wherein the process is conducted at a temperature of from about 50°C. to about 3500C, wherein the hydrogencontaining gas pressure is between about 20 and 400 atmospheres, and wherein the contact time is between about 0.1 minute and 20 hours. |
23. | The process of claim 22, wherein the catalyst comprises from about 0.01 to about 20 weight percent palladium and from about 0.1 to about 20 weight percent rhenium. |
24. | The process of claim 21 , wherein the catalyst comprises from about 0.05 to about 8 weight percent palladium and from about 0.5 to about 10 weight percent rhenium. |
25. | The process of claim 21 , wherein the catalyst comprises from about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent palladium and from about 0.5 to about 7 weight percent rhenium. |
26. | A process for the production of at least one of 1 ,4butanediol, gamma butyrolactone, and tetrahydrofuran comprising: (A) a first hydrogenation zone and a second hydrogenation zone connected in series, (B) supplying to the first hydrogenation zone a feedstream comprising a hydrogenatable precursor selected from maleic acid, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid, and mixtures thereof, (C) reacting in the first hydrogenation zone, the maleic acid feedstock and hydrogen in contact with a catalyst comprising palladium on a catalyst support comprising titanium dioxide, wherein at least about 70 weight percent of said titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystalline phase, to produce a reaction product comprising succinic acid, (D) supplying to the second hydrogenation zone, the reaction product of the first hydrogenation zone, (E) reacting in the second hydrogenation zone, the reaction product from the first hydrogenation zone and hydrogen in contact with a catalyst comprising palladium and rhenium on a catalyst support comprising titanium dioxide, wherein at least about 70 weight percent of said titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystalline phase to produce a product stream comprising at least one of 1 ,4butanediol, gamma butyrolactone, and tetrahydrofuran, wherein the temperature of the feedstream comprising maleic acid and the temperature of the first hydrogenation zone are controlled such that the temperature of maleic acid in the feedstream and the first hydrogenation zone does not exceed about 1300C. |
27. | The process of Claim 26 wherein the catalyst of step (C) comprises palladium and rhenium on a catalyst support comprising titanium dioxide, wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystalline phase, and the catalyst of step (E) comprises palladium and rhenium on a catalyst support comprising titanium dioxide, wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystalline phase. |
28. | The process of Claim 26 wherein the temperature in the first reaction zone is from about 50°C. to about 1300C. and the temperature in the second reaction zone is from about 1000C. to about 3000C. |
29. | A process for the production of at least one of 1 ,4butanediol, gamma butyrolactone, and tetrahydrofuran comprising: (A) a first hydrogenation zone and a second hydrogenation zone connected in series, (B) supplying to the first hydrogenation zone a feedstream comprising maleic acid, (C) reacting in the first hydrogenation zone, the maleic acid feedstock and hydrogen in contact with a catalyst comprising palladium on a catalyst support comprising titanium dioxide, wherein at least about 70 weight percent of said titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystalline phase, to produce a reaction product comprising succinic acid, (D) supplying to the second hydrogenation zone, the reaction product of the first hydrogenation zone, (E) reacting in the second hydrogenation zone, the reaction product from the first hydrogenation zone and hydrogen in contact with either: (a) a catalyst comprising palladium and rhenium on a catalyst support comprising titanium dioxide, wherein at least about 70 weight percent of said titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystalline phase, (b) a catalyst comprising palladium and rhenium on a carbon support to produce a product stream comprising at least one of 1 ,4butanediol, gamma butyrolactone, and tetrahydrofuran, or (c) mixtures of the catalysts of (a) and (b); wherein the temperature of the feedstream comprising maleic acid and the temperature of the first hydrogenation zone are controlled such that the temperature of maleic acid in the feedstream and the first hydrogenation zone does not exceed about 13O0C. |
30. | The process of Claim 29 wherein the catalyst of step (C) comprises palladium and rhenium on a catalyst support comprising titanium dioxide, wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystalline phase, and the catalyst of step (E) is either: (a) a catalyst comprising palladium and rhenium on a catalyst support comprising titanium dioxide, wherein at least about 90 weight percent of said titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystalline phase, (b) a catalyst comprising palladium and rhenium on a carbon support, or (c) mixtures of the catalysts of (a) and (b). |
31. | The process of Claim 29 wherein the temperature in the first reaction zone is from about 50°C. to about 130°C. and the temperature in the second reaction zone is from about 100°C. to about 3000C. |
32. | A process for producing succinic acid comprising catalytically hydrogenating a hydrogenatable precursor, selected from catalytically hydrogenating a hydrogenatable precursor, selected from the group consisting of maleic acid, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid, maleate esters, and mixtures thereof, in contact with a hydrogencontaining gas and a hydrogenation catalyst comprising at least one noble metal of Group VIII of the Periodic Table, selected from the group consisting of palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, iridium and platinum on a catalyst support comprising titanium dioxide, wherein at least about 70 weight percent of said titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystalline phase. |
33. | The process of Claim 32 wherein the succinic acid product is dehydrated to produce succinic anhydride. |
34. | The process of claim 32 wherein the wherein the noble metal of Group VIII is palladium. |
35. | The process of claim 32, wherein the hydrogenation catalyst comprises palladium and rhenium. |
36. | The process of Claim 32 wherein at least 90 weight percent of the titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystalline phase. |
37. | The process of Claim 32 wherein at least 95 weight percent of the titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystalline phase. |
38. | The process of claim 32, wherein the process is conducted at a temperature of from about 50°C. to about 13O0C, the hydrogencontaining gas pressure is between about 20 and 400 atmospheres, and the contact time is between about 0.1 minute and 20 hours. |
39. | The process of claim 32, wherein the catalyst comprises from about 0.01 to about 20 weight percent palladium. |
40. | The process of claim 35, wherein the catalyst comprises from about 0.01 to about 20 weight percent palladium and from about 0.1 to about 20 weight percent rhenium. |
41. | A catalyst comprising palladium and rhenium on a catalyst support comprising titanium dioxide, wherein at least about 70 weight percent of said titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystalline phase. |
42. | The catalyst of claim 41 , wherein at least 85 weight percent of the titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystalline phase. |
43. | The catalyst of claim 41 , wherein at least 90 weight percent of the titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystalline phase. |
44. | The catalyst of claim 41 , wherein at least 95 weight percent of the titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystalline phase. |
45. | The catalyst of claim 41 , wherein the catalyst comprises between about 0.05 to about 20 wt% palladium and between about 0.1 to about 20 wt% rhenium. |
46. | The catalyst of claim 45, wherein the catalyst comprises between about 0.1 to about 8 wt% palladium and between about 0.1 to about 15 wt% rhenium. |
47. | The catalyst of claim.45, wherein the catalyst comprises between about 0.1 to about 5.0 wt% palladium and between about 0.5 to about 10 wt% rhenium. |
48. | The catalyst of claim 45, wherein the catalyst comprises between about 0.2 to about 3 wt% palladium and between about 0.5 to about 7 wt% rhenium. |
49. | The catalyst of claim 45, wherein at least 90 weight percent of the titanium dioxide is in the rutile crystalline phase. |
The Catalyst The catalyst employed in the instant invention comprises a noble metal of Group VIII of the Periodic Table selected from the group consisting of at least one of palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, iridium and platinum on a support comprising at least about 1 wt% rutile titanium dioxide, preferably at least about 83 wt% rutile titanium dioxide. Catalysts used in the instant invention may also contain: (i) at least one of rhenium, manganese or tellurium; (ii) at least one of silver and gold; and (iii) at least one metal capable of alloying with the noble Group VIII metal and at least one of rhenium, tungsten or molybdenum. These catalyst composition may also be further modified through the incorporation of a metal or metals selected from Groups IA, NA or VIII. Preferably, the catalyst employed in the instant invention comprises palladium, or palladium and rhenium, on a rutile titanium dioxide support. Advantageously, the rutile titanium support comprises at least about 83 wt% of titanium dioxide in the rutile crystalline phase. More preferably, the catalyst employed in the instant invention comprises palladium and rhenium on a rutile titanium dioxide support wherein the rutile titanium support comprises at least about 90 wt% of titanium dioxide in the rutile crystalline phase, more preferably at least about 95 wt% of titanium dioxide in the rutile crystalline phase. Preferably the catalyst composition comprises about 0.01 to about 20 weight percent palladium, preferably about 0.05 to about 8 weight percent palladium, about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent palladium, or about 0.2 to about 3 weight percent palladium. When rhenium is a catalyst component, the catalyst additionally comprises about 0.1 to about 20 weight percent rhenium, preferably about 0.1 to about 15 weight percent rhenium, about 0.5 to about 10 weight percent rhenium, about 0.5 to about 7 weight percent rhenium, or about 0.5 to about 4.0 weight percent rhenium. Another catalyst which may be employed in the instant invention comprises palladium, rhenium, and silver supported on rutile titanium dioxide. Advantageously, the rutile titanium support comprises at least about 1 %, and preferably at least about 83 wt% of titanium dioxide in the rutile crystalline phase. The Pd/Re/Ag catalyst composition can comprise about 0.05 to about 20 weight percent palladium, preferably about 0.1 to about 8 weight percent palladium; more preferably about 0.2 to about 4 weight percent palladium; about 0.1 to about 20 weight percent rhenium, preferably about 1 to about 5 weight percent rhenium; and about 0.1 to about 20 weight percent silver, preferably about 0.5 to about 8 weight percent silver, preferably about 1 to about 5 weight percent silver. The ratio of palladium to silver is between 10 to 1 and 1 to 10. This catalyst composition may also be further modified through the incorporation of a metal or metals selected from Groups IA or NA. The preferred catalysts for use in this invention may be conveniently prepared by impregnation of the rutile titanium dioxide' support, either in single or multiple impregnation steps, with a solution or solutions containing at least one palladium, silver, or rhenium compound. As used herein, impregnation of the rutile titanium dioxide support means to cause the rutile titanium dioxide support to be filled, imbued, permeated, saturated or coated. The impregnating solution may optionally contain complexing agents to help solubilize one or more of the metal compounds. The catalyst is dried after each impregnation step to remove any carrier solvent. Drying temperatures are between about 80° C. and about 150° C. Optionally, the hydrogenation catalyst may then be calcined at about 150°C to about 350°C. In making the preferred catalysts, the solutions of palladium compound, silver compound and rhenium compound can be applied to the rutile titanium dioxide by immersing or suspending the support material in the solution or by spraying the solution onto the titanium dioxide, or by precipitating the hydrogenation catalyst components onto the titanium dioxide. A procedure which can be used for edge-coating the titanium dioxide support with hydrogenation catalyst components is described in Che, M.; Clause, O.; and Marcilly, Ch., "Impregnation and Ion Exchange" Handbook of Heterogeneous Catalysis, Volume 1 , pages 191-207, Edited by: G. Ertl, H. Knozinger, J. Weitkamp, ISPN: 352729212-8, (1997 Edition), incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The solution containing the palladium compound is typically an aqueous solution containing an amount of palladium compound to yield a catalyst product with the requisite amount of palladium. The palladium compound may be palladium nitrate or a palladium compound such as a chloride, carbonate, carboxylate, acetate, acetyl acetonate, or amine. The solution containing the silver compound is typically an aqueous one containing an amount of silver compound to yield a catalyst product with the requisite amount of silver. The palladium and silver compounds should be thermally decomposable and reducible to the metals. The solution containing the rhenium compound is typically an aqueous one containing an amount of rhenium compound to yield a catalyst product with the requisite amount of rhenium. The rhenium compound is typically perrhenic acid, ammonium perrhenate or an alkali metal perrhenate. The impregnating solution(s) may optionally contain metal complexing agents to help solubilize one or more of the metal compounds. The addition of acetonitrile to the impregnating solution allows the Pd, Re, and Ag compounds to be added in a single step. Nitric acid may also be added to the impregnating solution. After impregnation with palladium, silver, and rhenium and drying, the preferred catalyst is activated by heating the impregnated rutile titanium dioxide support under reducing conditions at a temperature of about 120°C to about 350°C, preferably about 15O0C to about 300°C. Hydrogen, or a mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen, in contact with the catalyst may be conveniently used for the catalyst reduction. Reduction of the impregnated rutile titanium dioxide support is only after the rutile titanium dioxide support has been impregnated with palladium, silver, and rhenium. In the case of multiple impregnation steps and multiple dryings, the reduction of the catalyst is done after the final drying.
The Process The method for carrying out the process comprises reacting a hydrogenatable precursor with a hydrogen-containing gas in the presence of the hydrogenation catalyst, and recovering and purifying the reaction products, typically by distillation. The liquid phase hydrogenation of this invention can be run using conventional apparatus and techniques in a stirred-tank reactor or in a fixed-bed reactor. Single or multiple-stage reactors may be employed. The amount of catalyst required will vary widely and is dependent upon a number of factors such as reactor size and design, contact time and the like. The hydrogen-containing gas is fed continuously, generally with the hydrogen in considerable stoichiometric excess to the other reactants. Unreacted hydrogen can be returned to the reactor as a recycle stream. The precursor solution, e.g., maleic acid (or other hydrogenatable precursor) solution, is fed continuously at concentrations ranging from dilute solutions to near the maximum solubility level. The precursor solution may contain about 10 to about 60 weight percent maleic acid (or other hydrogenatable precursor) with the higher concentrations being more economical and preferred due to less water to recycle or dispose. Preferably the precursor solution contains about 20 to about 40 weight percent maleic acid (or other hydrogenatable precursor). Advantageously, the hydrogenation is run at a temperature of from about 50°C to about 350°C, preferably from about 50°C to about 25O0C and a hydrogen pressure of from about 20 to about 400 atmospheres (about 294 psig to about 5878 psig) with hydrogen to hydrogenatable precursor ratios (H2/P) of between 5 to 1 and 1000 to 1 and contact times of from about 0.1 minute to about 20 hours. The reaction products, 1 ,4-butanediol, tetrahydrofuran, gamma- butyrolactone or mixtures thereof, are advantageously separated by fractional distillation. By¬ products which are formed in small amounts or unreacted feed, such as, for example, succinic anhydride or succinic acid, are optionally returned to the hydrogenation stage. The gamma- butyrolactone may also be recycled to the hydrogenation reactor. Using the process of this invention, more specifically using the hydrogenation catalyst described herein, maleic acid is converted virtually quantitatively in a simple reaction. The yields of 1 ,4- butanediol and tetrahydrofuran achieved are about 80 mole percent or greater, typically about 90 mole percent or greater, with a majority portion of the yield being 1 ,4-butanediol. Reaction by-products may include n- butanol, n-butyric acid, n-propanol, propionic acid, methane, propane, n-butane, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. In an embodiment of the invention the conversion of maleic acid to 1 ,4- butanediol may be conducted in two separate reaction stages or hydrogenation zones In the first stage an aqueous solution of maleic acid is hydrogenated to succinic acid using a hydrogenation catalyst on a rutile titanium dioxide support, and in the second stage, the succinic acid is transported to the second reactor and further hydrogenated to 1 ,4-butanediol, gamma-butyrolactone, and/or tetrahydrofuran, or mixtures thereof. The catalyst used in the second reactor may be a hydrogenation catalyst on a rutile titanium dioxide support as in the first stage reaction or it may be a hydrogenation catalyst on a carbon support, such as catalysts described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,473,086; U.S. Pat. No.5,969,164; U.S. Pat. No. 6,486,367; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,698,749 each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. For example, a catalyst used in the second stage might comprise Pd, Pd/Re, or Pd/Re/Ag on a carbon support. The catalyst might also contain one or more additional metals, such as iron. The catalyst used in the second stage may also comprise a mixture of a hydrogenation catalyst on a rutile titanium dioxide support with a hydrogenation catalyst on a carbon support. In one embodiment, both the catalyst in the first stage and the catalyst in the second stage may comprise a mixture of a hydrogenation catalyst on a rutile titanium dioxide support with a hydrogenation catalyst on a carbon support. Advantageously, the temperature in the first stage is from about 5O0C to about 130°C and the temperature in the second stage is from about 1000C to about 3000C. * In an embodiment of the above two-stage process, the temperature of the feedstream comprising maleic acid and the temperature of the first hydrogenation zone are controlled such that the temperature of maleic acid in the feedstream and the first hydrogenation zone does not exceed about 12O0C1 and heat is added to the reaction product from the first hydrogenation zone to raise the reaction product to a temperature of about 1300C to about 1800C prior to supplying the reaction product from the first hydrogenation zone to the second hydrogenation zone. The conversion of maleic acid to 1 ,4-butanediol may also be conducted in two separately distinct reaction stages or zones, wherein the first stage is operated at a temperature below about 1300C, preferably below about 1200C, to convert the maleic acid to succinic acid and then the temperature of the second stage is operated at a temperature above about 1300C to convert the succinic acid to at least one of gamma-butyrolactone, 1 ,4-butanediol and tetrahydrofuran. More specifically, maleic acid is supplied to a first hydrogenation zone at a temperature of about 700C to about 12O0C and is then hydrogenated to succinic acid. The reaction temperature in the first hydrogenation zone is controlled such that the effluent from the first hydrogenation zone does not exceed a temperature of about 1300C. Preferably, inlet and reactor temperatures are controlled in the first hydrogenation zone such that the maleic acid does not exceed about 12O0C, more preferably such that the maleic acid does not exceed 1000C. The succinic acid from the first hydrogenation zone is then routed to the second hydrogenation zone at a temperature of 1300C to about 18O0C (heat is added to this stream, if necessary) where it is hydrogenated in the second hydrogenation zone to at least one of gamma-butyrolactone, 1 ,4-butanediol and tetrahydrofuran. Since maleic acid is not present in a reactor at elevated temperatures (ideally no maleic acid at approximately 1000C and above), the corrosive effects of the maleic acid are significantly minimized, thereby prolonging the life of the hydrogenation reactor(s) and any other affected process equipment and improving the overall process economics (capital, operating and maintenance costs). In this process, a catalyst comprising a hydrogenation catalyst component of the present invention on rutile TiO2 would be used to convert maleic acid to succinic acid in the first hydrogenation zone and the hydrogenation catalyst used in the second hydrogenation zone to convert succinic acid to at least one of gamma-butyrolactone, 1 ,4-butanediol and tetrahydrofuran, could comprise a hydrogenation catalyst component on a rutile TiO2 support or it could comprise a hydrogenation catalyst component on a carbon support as described above, or a mixture thereof. Typically titanium dioxide is 100% in the anatase crystalline phase. Titanium dioxide which is in the anatase crystalline phase can be calcined to convert it to the rutile phase for use as the catalyst support as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,908; U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,898; U.S. Pat. No. 5,616,792; U.S. Pat. No. 5,756,833, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The support of the catalyst employed in the process of the present invention is titanium dioxide support which does not disintegrate in less than one month under the corrosive conditions that prevail in the hydrogenation of maleic acid. Such corrosive conditions are an at least partially, and preferably substantially, aqueous solution of from about 5 to about 50 weight percent of the maleic acid being hydrogenated and a hydrogenation temperature of from about 50° C. to about 350°C. The support is formed by an extrusion technique in any convenient form that can be used in a packed bed. In one preferred embodiment, at least about 83 weight percent, preferably at least about 90 weight percent, more preferably at least about 95 weight percent, more preferably at least about 97 weight percent, and more preferably 100 weight percent of the titanium dioxide support is in the rutile crystalline phase. Titanium dioxide which is in the anatase crystalline phase can be calcined to convert it to the rutile phase for use as the catalyst support. In a preferred embodiment the titanium dioxide support is formed by calcination of titanium dioxide at a temperature in the range of from about 600°C, preferably from about 800°C, and more preferably from about 900°C, to about 1200°C, preferably to about 11000C, and more preferably to about 1000°C. In this embodiment, preferably at least 5 weight percent, more preferably at least 70 weight percent, more preferably at least 90 weight percent and most preferably substantially 100 weight percent, of the titanium dioxide which is calcined is initially in the anatase crystal phase. In a further preferred embodiment, the titanium dioxide support has a total specific surface area of preferably less than about 40 square meters per gram, more preferably less than about 20 square meters per gram, and more preferably less than about 10 square meters per gram. Titanium dioxide supports having a surface area of from about 3 to about 6 square meters per gram are advantageous. In another preferred embodiment, the titanium dioxide support has an average pore diameter of at least about 10 nanometers (nm), preferably at least about 20 nm. In an especially preferred embodiment, at least one weight percent of the titanium dioxide support is in the rutile crystalline phase whose support contains less than 500 parts per million by weight of a sulfur-containing component, calculated as elemental sulfur, has a total specific surface area of less than about 40 square meters per gram, has an average pore diameter of at least about 10 nm, and is formed by calcination at a temperature of from about 600°C. to about 1200°C. of titanium dioxide of which at least 50 weight percent is in the anatase crystal phase. The hydrogenation catalyst of the present invention having a support comprising at least about 83 weight percent titanium dioxide in the rutile crystalline phase has the following advantages: a) the rutile crystalline phase titanium dioxide support is significantly harder than supports of carbon; b) the support comprising titanium dioxide in the rutile crystalline phase is much harder than any other forms of titanium dioxide, such as catalyst supports of titanium dioxide in the anatase crystalline phase; c) with a catalyst support comprising titanium dioxide in the rutile crystalline phase, co-catalysts or promoters such as Ag, Fe, and Na can be avoided or reduced; d) the amount of nitric acid need to make the rutile TiO2 catalyst is greatly reduced, making the catalyst production milder and more environmentally friendly; e) the rutile TiO2 catalyst preparation procedure may require fewer steps than catalysts having a carbon support (1 step, or optionally 2 steps, vs. 2 to 4 steps for carbon supports; one drying vs. several dryings for carbon supports); f) the rutile TiO2 catalyst can be used in both 1/8" (3.0 mm) or 1/16 inch (1.5mm) catalyst diameters, whereas 1.5 mm or 1.8 mm catalyst diameter is typically preferred for catalysts with a carbon support; g) the rutile TiO2 catalyst generates few or no fines or chips during operation h) the rutile TiO2 catalyst generates few or no chips during catalyst manufacturing, whereas catalysts with carbon supports generate about 1 % fines and 15% chips during catalyst manufacture; i) the rutile TiO2 catalyst has a more uniform particle length; j) the rutile TiO2 catalyst has a much longer expected life at a higher production rate than catalysts using carbon or anatase TiO2 as the support; and k) the rutile TiO2 has a greater crush strength than anatase TiO2. I) the rutile form of TiO2 is much more stable to highly acidic conditions such as the concentrated (up to 50%) maleic acid solution than the anatase form of TiO2. m) the rutile crystalline phase titanium dioxide support has a very low sulfur content. A low sulfur content is desirable because sulfur can poison some catalysts and reduce their activity, therefore a catalyst support, such as rutile TIO2, which has little or no sulfur, is advantageous. While not intending to be bound by theory, it is believed that with rutile TiO2, when it is calcined at high temperature, it begins to form some defect structures and creates a Ti+3 structure. The term "defect" is used in X-ray terms - it means it is not perfect. Ti+3 may bond with the rhenium and palladium. Another Ti believed to be formed in the rutile TiO2 is Ti+4. Our X-ray, electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) data show that palladium and rhenium are well dispersed beyond the capability of dispersal in carbon or other non-rutile TiO2 compositions. Liquid hourly space velocity (liters of maleic acid solution per liter of catalyst per hour) of the aqueous crude maleic acid solution through the catalyst bed is about 0.4 hr'1 to about 5.0 hr"1 , preferably about 0.60 hr"1 to about 3.5 hr"1, preferably about 0.75 hr"1 to about 3.5 hr"1 EXAMPLES OF THE INVENTION It is to be understood that the subject invention is not to be limited by the examples set forth herein. These have been provided merely to demonstrate operability, and the selection of catalysts, metal sources, carbon supports, concentrations, contact times, solids loadings, feedstocks, reaction conditions, and products, if any, can be determined from the total specification disclosure provided, without departing from the spirit of the invention herein disclosed and described, the scope of the invention including modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the attached claims. Catalyst Preparation Carbon Catalyst A - Aqueous Three- Step Preparation of BDO Catalyst with 1.8 mm Carbon Support Nominal Composition: 0.4%Fe, 1.9%Na, 2.66%Ag, 2.66%Pd, 10.0%Re on 1.8mm diameter carbon. Materials: (A) Carbon Support: 27.89g of Engelhard 1.8 mm diameter active carbon available from Engelhard Corporation, Newark, NJ. (B) Ag/Fe/Na Impregnation Solution: 1 .36g of silver nitrate, 2.34g of sodium nitrate and 0.96g of [Fe (NO3) 3.9H2O] are dissolved in 8.19g of de-ionized water and then gradually mixed with 17.27g of concentrated nitric acid (70 wt% nitric acid). (C) Pd/Re Impregnation Solution: A solution of 9.68g of Pd (NO3)2 (8.95%Pd) is mixed with a solution of 6.4Og of HReO4 (52.10 wt% Re), 12.95g of concentrated nitric acid (70 wt% nitric acid), and 1.09g of de-ionized water. (D) HNO3/H2O Impregnation Solution: 12.95g of concentrated nitric acid (70 wt% nitric acid) and 17.17g of de-ionized water are mixed together. Preparation Procedure: Step i The carbon support (A) is impregnated with the Ag/Fe/Na solution (B), and allowed to stand for 1 hr. The material is then dried in an oven at 130° C for 4.5hr. Step 2 The carbon support (A) which has been impregnated with Ag/Fe/Na is next gradually impregnated with the Pd/Re impregnation solution (C) and the mixture is allowed to tumble for 1 hr then to stand for 3 hrs. The catalyst is then dried for 5 hrs at 130° C. Step 3 The carbon support (A) which has been impregnated with Ag/Fe/Na and Pd/Re is next gradually impregnated with the HNO3/H2O Impregnation solution (D) and the mixture is allowed to stand for 1 hr. The catalyst is then dried at 130° C for 5 hours. Carbon Catalyst B - Aqueous Two- step Preparation of BDO Catalyst with 1.5mm Carbon Support This procedure describes an aqueous two-step BDO catalyst preparation using Norit 1.5 mm carbon. Nominal Composition: 0.4%Fe, 1.9%Na, 2.66%Ag, 2.66%Pd, 10.0%Re on 1.5 mm diameter carbon. Materials: (A) Carbon Support: 58.4g of Norit 1.5 mm diameter Active Carbon extrudate (referred to herein as Standard C or standard carbon) (acquired from Norit Americas Inc. located in Atlanta, Ga.) (B) AgZFeZNa Impregnation Solution: 2.9g of silver nitrate, 5.1 g of sodium nitrate and 2g of [Fe (NO3) 3.9H2O] are dissolved in 2Og of de-ionized water and then gradually mixed with 68.3g of concentrated nitric acid (70 wt% nitric acid). (C) PdZRe Impregnation Solution 1 : 9.1 g of Pd (NOs)2 solution (20.38% Pd), 12.22g of HReO4 solution (56.36 wt% Re), 23.3g of concentrated nitric acid (70 wt% nitric acid), and 24g of de-ionized water are mixed together. Preparation Procedure: Step 1 The carbon support (A) is gradually impregnated with the Ag/Fe/Na impregnation solution (B), and allowed to stand for 1 hr. The material is then dried in an oven at 130° C for 4.5hr. Step 2 The carbon support (A) which has been impregnated with Ag/Fe/Na is next gradually impregnated with the Pd/Re solution (C) and the mixture is allowed to stand for 3 hr. The catalyst is then dried for 5 hr at 130° C.
Carbon Catalyst C - Aqueous Two-step Preparation of BPO Half Metal Catalyst with Norit 1.5 mm Carbon Support Carbon Catalyst C has about half the amount of palladium, rhenium and silver hydrogenation metals on the carbon support as Carbon Catalyst B. Nominal Composition: 0.4%Fe, 1 .9%Na, 1.33%Ag, 1.33%Pd, 5.0%Re on 1.5 mm diameter carbon support.
Materials: (A) Carbon Support: 58.4g of Norit 1.5 mm diameter active carbon extrudate (Standard carbon). (B) Ag/Fe/Na Impregnation Solution: 1.45g of silver nitrate, 5.1 g of sodium nitrate and 2g of [Fe (NO3) 3.9H2O] are dissolved in 2Og of de-ionized water and then gradually mixed with 68.3g of concentrated nitric acid (70 wt% nitric acid). (C) Pd/Re Impregnation Solution 1 : 4.55g of Pd (NO3)2 Solution (20.38% Pd) 6.1g of HReO4 solution (56.36 wt% Re), 25.6g of concentrated nitric acid (70 wt% nitric acid), and 27g of de-ionized water are mixed together. Preparation Procedure: Step 1 The carbon support (A) is gradually impregnated with the Ag/Fe/Na impregnation solution (B), and allowed to stand for 1 hr. The material is then dried in an oven at 130° C for 6 hr. Step 2 The carbon support (A) which has been impregnated with Ag/Fe/Na is next gradually impregnated with the Pd/Re solution (C) and the mixture is allowed to stand for 3hr. The catalyst is then dried for 5 hrs at 130° C.
Example Ka) - 0.5%Pd/2.0%Re on 1/16" Rutile Titanium Dioxide Support Catalyst Preparation Materials: Rutile TiO2 Support (98 wt% rutile crystalline phase, 2 wt% anatase crystalline phase, 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) diameter) Titanium dioxide containing 98 wt% of the rutile crystalline phase of titanium dioxide and 2 wt% of the anatase crystalline phase of titanium dioxide, 47.5 g (dry). Pd/Re Impregnation Solution 1.31g of Pd (NOs)2 Solution (19.02 wt% Pd), 1.92 g of HReO4 solution (52.1 wt% Re), and 3.93 g concentrated nitric acid (70% nitric acid) are mixed together This solution is used to impregnate the 98% rutile titanium dioxide support. Preparation Procedure: Step i The rutile titanium dioxide support is gradually impregnated with the above solution, and allowed to stand for 1 hr. The material is then dried in an oven at 13O0C for 3.5 hr. Example Kb) - 0.5%Pd/2.0%Re on 1/8" Rutile Titanium Dioxide Support Catalyst Preparation The catalyst of Example 1(b) is made by the same procedure as the catalyst of Example 1(a) except that a rutile TiO2 support comprising 98 wt% rutile crystalline phase, 2 wt% anatase crystalline phase, and having a 1/8 inch (3.0 mm) 'diameter is used. Example 2 - 0.5% Pd on 1/8" Rutile Catalyst Preparation An edge-coated catalyst having 0.5% Pd on 1/8" rutile TiO2 support (97% Rutile, 3% Anatase, 1/8 inch diameter) was prepared by Engelhard Corporation, 101 Wood Avenue, Iselin, New Jersey 08830-0770 using a procedure described in Che, M.; Clause, O.; and Marcilly, Ch.; "Impregnation and Ion Exchange" Handbook of Heterogeneous Catalysis .Volume 1 , pages 191-207, Edited by: G. Ertl, H. Knozinger, J. Weitkamp, ISPN: 352729212-8, (1997 Edition).
Example 3 - 0.5% Pd on 1/8" Rutile Catalyst Preparation Materials: Rutile TiO? Support (98% Rutile, 2% Anatase 1/8 inch (3.0 mm) diameter) Titanium dioxide containing 98 wt% of the rutile crystalline phase of titanium dioxide and 2 wt% of the anatase crystalline phase of titanium dioxide, 49.5 g (dry). Pd Impregnation Solution 1.31g of Pd (NO3)2 Solution (19.02 wt% Pd) is mixed with 6.12 g concentrated nitric acid (70% nitric acid). This solution is used to impregnate the 98% rutile titanium dioxide support. Preparation Procedure: Step i The 98% rutile titanium dioxide support is gradually impregnated with the Pd impregnation solution, and allowed to stand for 1 hr. The material is then dried in an oven at 130° C for 3.5 hr. Activity Evaluation of Catalysts The catalyst testing unit is comprised of a two-reactor system connected in series where maleic acid is first converted to succinic acid (SAC) in the first reactor at about 110° C. The effluent from the first stage reactor is delivered to the second stage reactor for the conversion of succinic acid to mainly BDO. Operating pressure is at 2500 to 4000 psi and internal reactor temperature is initially set at 165° C. Thereafter, temperature is adjusted closer to the temperature where a high conversion of SAC (about 99.7%) is obtained. This temperature generally may vary from about 130° C to about 175° C. At the lower end of the temperature range BDO selectivity is higher (80% or higher) whereas THF is favored at higher temperatures (over 5%). The results of the activity evaluation of a catalysts made according to the procedure of catalyst Example 1(a) is shown in Table 1a. Activity evaluation of a catalyst made according to the procedure of catalyst Example 2 is shown in Table 1(b). Catalyst results of the activity evaluation of a catalysts made according to the procedure of catalyst Example 3 is shown in Table 1(c). Table 1a. Conversion of Maleic Acid (MAC) to Succinic Acid (SAC) with Catalyst Example 1(a)
(0.5% Pd / 2% Re on 1/16" Rutile TiO2) and Conversion of SAC from the 1st stage
reaction to BDO, GBL, and THF with a Standard Carbon Catalyst B (0.4%Fe,
1.9%Na, 2.66%Ag, 2.66%Pd, 10.0%Re on 1.5 mm carbon support).
Table 1b Conversion of Maleic Acid (MAC) to Succinic Acid (SAC) with Catalyst Example 2
(0.5% Pd on 1/8 Rutile TiO2 Support (97% Rutile, 3% Anatase 1/8 inch diameter)
Table 1 c Conversion of Maleic Acid (MAC) to Succinic Acid (SAC) with a Catalyst Example 3
(0.5% Pd on 1/8 Rutile TiO2 Support (97% Rutile, 3% Anatase 1/8 inch diameter)
Tables 1 a, 1 b and 1c show that catalysts of Example 1(a), comprising Pd/Re
on a rutile titanium dioxide support, and catalysts of Example 2 and Example 3,
comprising Pd on a rutile titanium dioxide support, completely convert maleic acid to
succinic acid with high selectivity to succinic acid and low amounts of other by¬
products.
The Catalyst Testing Unit (CTU) results for Catalyst Example 1 and Catalyst
Example 2 show that
(a) Both 1/16 inch and 1/8 inch Rutile extrudates can be used for
hydrogenation. For carbon, 1/8 inch was found to be less effective. (b) For maleic to succinic hydrogenation there is no need for other co-
catalysts such as Ag, Fe, Na, etc.,
(c) 0.5% Pd alone on a rutile TiO2 support gives good conversion of maleic
acid to succinic acid.
Tables 2a and 2b show the results of hydrogenation of maleic acid to succinic
acid over several sample time periods using catalysts prepared as described in
Catalyst Example 1(a) and Catalyst Example 2.
Table 2a. Hydrogenation Results Using Rutile TiO2 1/16" Support and Pd/Re Catalyst (Catalyst
Example 1(a) - 0.5%Pd/2.0%Re on 1/16" Rutile Titanium Dioxide Support, 98%
Rutile/2% Anatase) to convert Maleic Acid to Succinic Acid
Table 2a continued
Table 2b. Hydrogenation Results Using Rutile 1/8" Support and Pd Catalyst (Catalyst Example
2, 0.5% Pd on 1/8" Rutile Titanium Dioxide Support, 97%Rutile/3%Anatase) to
convert Maleic Acid to Succinic Acid
Crush Strengths: Crush strength is the most important indicator of the physical integrity and stability of the catalyst. Constant breaking of particles means problems with delta P, liquid flow, distribution problems, hot spots, etc. Measurements of single particle crush strength (SPCS) of some selected carbon extrudates and catalysts on carbon supports were made and compared with rutile TiO2 extrudates and catalysts on the non-carbon rutile TiO2 support using a Single Particle Crush Strength Test.
Single Particle Crush Strength Test This test is applicable to carbon or other catalyst particles which are either extrudates or granules having a cylindrical geometry. Apparatus - Sintech model 6 computer controlled mechanical testing unit and calipers. Procedure - One-hundred particles of carbon are randomly selected by riffling a representative sample, which has been prepared following BDO-14 "Preparation of a Representative Sample for Analysis," and their lengths and widths measured in inches with calipers. The particles are stuck to an aluminum sheet and individually crushed in a Sintech 6 mechanical testing unit. A cross-head speed of 0.05 in/minute is used with a break sensitivity of 25%. In some cases premature cracking of the particle may occur before crushing and this load is recorded as the first visible peak on the load versus elongation curve. The single-particle crush strength data is analyzed as follows. Load Per Unit Length - The failure stress is calculated by dividing the failure load of each particle (kg) by the length of the particle (mm). The percentage of particles failing at stresses <0.33 and <0.66 Kg/mm, and the mean failure stress, are calculated. Results of crush strength tests are shown in Tables 3(a) and 3(b). Table 3(a) Crush Strength Comparisons
1 BMC (Broad Mill Cut) Carbon Extrudate is a cut taken from the middle range of lengths of the standard carbon extrudates.
The results in Table 3(a) show that the average crush strength of a 1.5 mm
diameter titanium dioxide extrudate containing 98% rutile crystalline phase Tiθ2 is
about 5 times higher than the 1.5 mm diameter BMC standard carbon extrudate.
The greater crush strength of the rutile TiO2 catalyst support makes it more able to
withstand the hot acid and high pressure conditions of the process of the invention
without breaking or flaking than a similar carbon support or a support made of TiO2 in
the anatase crystalline phase, which is significantly less hard than the rutile
crystalline phase TiO2 and, therefore, more susceptible to flaking and breaking which
increased delta P and reduces throughput in the reaction process.
Table 3(b) Crush Strength Comparisons
The results in Table 3(b) show that the average crush strength of titanium dioxide extrudates containing 77% rutile crystalline phase is 2.09 times greater than a standard carbon extrudate and 4.14 times greater than standard carbon with catalyst metals on it. The average crush strength of the 94.5% rutile crystalline phase TiO2 extrudate is 2.69 times greater than the standard carbon extrudate and 5.34 times greater than standard carbon with catalyst metals on it. The carbon-based catalyst manufacturing procedure, which requires more than one step, further hurts the SPCS as can be seen from the reduced crush strength of the carbon extrudate having the catalyst metals on it. In the case of the rutile TIO2 catalyst support, the simple one-step preparation will help preserve the hardness. This increased physical integrity and stability may further improve catalyst life and the delta P.
Example 4 - 2.0%Pd/5.0%Re on 1/16" Rutile Titanium Dioxide Support (94%Rutile/6%Anatase Crystalline Phase) The catalyst of Example 4 is made by the same procedure as the catalyst of Example 1(a) except that the amounts of palladium and rhenium are adjusted to give a catalyst containing 2.0 wt% palladium and 5.0 wt% rhenium.
Table 4
Activity and Selectivity for 2nd-stage, rutile-supported catalyst formulations Table 4 shows the results of the second stage hydrogenation of succinic acid to 1 , 4-Butanediol (BDO). The first stage reaction (not shown) wherein maleic acid was converted to succinic acid was conducted using a catalyst comprising 0.5% palladium on a 1/8" rutile TiO2 support, such as the catalyst of Example 2, and the second stage reaction was conducted using a catalyst made by the process of Example 4, comprising 2.0% Pd and 5% Re on a 1/16"rutile titanium dioxide support. Table 4
Example 5(a) - 0.5%Pd/5.0%Re on 1/16" Rutile Titanium Dioxide Support
(94%Rutile/6%Anatase Crystalline Phase)
The catalyst of Example 5(a) is made by the same procedure as the catalyst
of Example 1(a) except that the amounts of palladium and rhenium are adjusted to
give a catalyst containing 0.5 wt% palladium and 5.0 wt% rhenium.
Example 5(b) - 0.5%Pd/5.0%Re on 1/16" Rutile Titanium Dioxide Support
(98%Rutile/2%Anatase Crystalline Phase)
The catalyst of Example 5(b) is made by the procedure of Example 5(a)
except that a 1/16" diameter rutile OO2 support (98%Rutile/2%Anatase Crystalline
Phase) is used.
Table 5
Activity and Selectivity for 2nd-stage, rutile-supported catalyst formulations
Table 5 shows the results of the second stage hydrogenation of succinic acid to 1, 4-
Butanediol (BDO). The first stage reaction (not shown) wherein maleic acid was
converted to succinic acid was conducted using a catalyst comprising 0.5% palladium
on a 1/8" rutile Tiθ2 support, such as the catalyst of Example 2, and the second
stage reaction was conducted using a catalyst made by the process of Example 5
comprising 0.5% Pd and 5% Re on a 1/16"rutile titanium dioxide support.
Example 6 - 0%Pd/5.0%Re on 1/16" Rutile Titanium Dioxide Support
(94%Rutile/6%Anatase Crystalline Phase)
The catalyst of Example 6 is made by the same procedure as the catalyst of
Example 1(a) except that palladium is not used and the amount of rhenium is
adjusted to give a catalyst containing and 5.0 wt% rhenium.
Table 6 Activity and Selectivity for 2 »nd -stage, rutile-supported catalyst formulations Table 6 shows the results of the second stage hydrogenation of succinic acid to 1 , 4-
Butanediol (BDO). In this reaction the first stage reaction wherein maleic acid was
converted to succinic acid was conducted using a standard carbon catalyst, such as
Carbon Catalyst B, and the second stage reaction was conducted using a catalyst
comprising 0% Pd and 5% Re on a 1/16"rutile titanium dioxide support.
Example 7 - 1.0%Pd/3.0%Re on 1/16" Rutile Titanium Dioxide Support
(94%Rutile/6%Anatase Crystalline Phase)
The catalyst of Example 7 is made by the same procedure as the catalyst of
Example 1(a) except that the amounts of palladium and rhenium are adjusted to give
a catalyst containing 1.0 wt% palladium and 3.0 wt% rhenium.
Table 7 Activity and Selectivity for 2"d-stage, rutile-supported catalyst formulations Table 7 shows the results of the second stage hydrogenation of succinic acid to 1 , 4-
Butanediol (BDO). In this reaction the first stage reaction wherein maleic acid was
converted to succinic acid was conducted using a standard carbon catalyst, such as
Carbon Catalyst B, and the second stage reaction was conducted using a catalyst
comprising 1.0% Pd and 3% Re on a 1/16"rutile titanium dioxide support.
Tables 4, 5, 6, and 7 show the results of testing catalysts of the invention in
the second stage reaction wherein succinic acid is hydrogenated to produce 1 ,4-
butanediol, gamma-butyrolactone, and/or tetrahydrofuran using a catalyst comprising
at least one hydrogenation catalyst component on a rutile titanium dioxide support. It
can be seen from the results in Tables 4, 5, 6, and 7 that the catalyst of the present
invention shows good selectivity for 1 ,4-butanediol. Example 8 - Two-step 2.0% Pd/5.0% Re on Rutile Catalyst Preparation (A) Rutile TiO2 Support (94% Rutile, 6% Anatase, 1/16") rutile titanium dioxide 93.0 g (dry) (B) Pd/HNO3 Impregnation Solution 9.48 g of Pd (NO3)2 Solution (21.1 % Pd) 10.07 g of concentrated nitric acid (70 wt%) (C) Re/HNO3 Impregnation Solution 9.09 g HReO4 Solution (54.98% Re) 10.46 g of concentrated nitric acid (70 wt%) Preparation Procedure: Step 1 : The rutile TiO2 support (A) is gradually impregnated with solution (B) and allowed to stand for 1 hour. The material is then dried in an oven at 130° C for 2 hours. Step 2: The palladium-impregnated TiO2 rutile support (A) from Step 1 is gradually impregnated with solution (C) and allowed to stand for 1 hour. The material is then dried in an oven at 130° C for 2 hours. The results for the stage 1 reaction converting maleic acid to succinic acid are shown in Table 8(a), in which a sample was taken at 139 hours. The results for the second stage reaction converting succinic acid to BDO, THF, and GBL or mixtures thereof over several hours is shown in Table 8(b).
Table 8(a) Activity and Selectivity for 1st-stage, rutile-supported catalyst formulations Table 8a shows the results of the first stage hydrogenation of maleic acid to succinic acid (SAC) using a catalyst comprising 2.0% Pd and 5.0% Re on a 1/16"rutile titanium dioxide support. Table 8(b) Activity and Selectivity for 2nd-stage, rutile-supported catalyst formulations Table 8b shows the results of the second stage hydrogenation of succinic acid to 1 , 4-Butanediol (BDO) using a catalyst comprising 2.0% Pd and 5.0% Re on a 1/16"rutile titanium dioxide support.
Example 9 Example 9 - 1st-stage material: 6,5% Pd on 1/16" Rutile Catalyst Preparation Materials: Rutile TiO? Support (94% Rutile, 6% Anatase 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) diameter) Titanium dioxide containing 96 wt% of the rutile crystalline phase of titanium dioxide and 6 wt % of the anatase crystalline phase of titanium dioxide, 49.5 g (dry). Pd Impregnation Solution 1.31g of Pd (NO3)2 Solution (19.02 wt% Pd) is mixed with 6.12 g concentrated nitric acid (70% nitric acid). This solution is used to impregnate the 96% rutile titanium dioxide support. Preparation Procedure: Step 1 The 96% rutile titanium dioxide support is gradually impregnated with the Pd impregnation solution, and allowed to stand for 1 hr. The material is then dried in an oven at 130° C for 3.5 hr. Example 9 - 2nd-stage material: Carbon Catalyst - Aqueous Two- step Preparation of BDO Catalyst with 1.5mm Carbon Support This procedure describes an aqueous two-step BDO catalyst preparation using Norit 1.5 mm carbon. Nominal Composition: 0.4%Fe, 1.9%Na, 2.66%Ag, 2.66%Pd, 10.0%Re on 1.5 mm diameter carbon. Materials: (A) Carbon Support:: 58.4g of Norit 1.5 mm diameter Active Carbon extrudate (referred to herein as Standard C or standard carbon) (acquired from Norit Americas Inc. located in Atlanta, Ga.) (B) Ag/Fe/Na Impregnation Solution: 2.9g of silver nitrate, 5.1g of sodium nitrate and 2g of [Fe (NO3) 3.9H2O] are dissolved in 2Og of de-ionized water and then gradually mixed with 68.3g of concentrated nitric acid (70 wt% nitric acid).
(C) Pd/Re Impregnation Solution 1 : 9.1g of Pd (NO3)2 solution (20.38% Pd)1 12.22g of HReO4 solution (56.36 wt% Re), 23.3g of concentrated nitric acid (70 wt% nitric acid), and 24g of de-ionized water are mixed together. Preparation Procedure: Step 1 The carbon support (A) is gradually impregnated with the Ag/Fe/Na impregnation solution (B), and allowed to stand for 1 hr. The material is then dried in an oven at 130° C for 4.5 hr. Step 2 The carbon support (A) which has been impregnated with Ag/Fe/Na is next gradually impregnated with the Pd/Re solution (C) and the mixture is allowed to stand for 3 hr. The catalyst is then dried for 5 hr at 130° C. The rutile titanium dioxide support is gradually impregnated with the Pd/Re impregnation solution, and allowed to stand for 1 hr. The material is then dried in an oven at 130° C for 3.5 hr. Table 9 Conversion of Maleic Acid (MAC) to Succinic Acid (SAC) with Catalyst Example 9
(0.5% Pd, edge-coated on 1/16" Rutile) and Conversion of SAC from the 1st stage
reaction to BDO, GBL, and THF with a Standard Carbon Catalyst B (0.4%Fe,
1.9%Na, 2.66%Ag, 2.66%Pd, 10.0%Re on 1.5 mm carbon support).