Polymer Stabilized Catalysts Based on Platinum Group Metals for Synthesis of Higher Alcohols

Abstract

The selective hydrogenation of the carboxyl group of fatty acids during synthesis of higher alcohols was studied in the presence of polymer stabilized catalysts based on noble metals. The studies were focused on the influence of the support and active metal on the yields of the target product and on the rate of substrate conversion. The highest yields, selectivity and the rates of stearyl alcohol accumulation were observed with catalysts 1%Pd/MN270, 1%Pt/MN500, 1%Ru/MN100. 1%Pd/MN270 and 1%Ru/MN100 catalysts were shown to retain their catalytic activities over at least five cycles of the multiple use, while 1%Pt/MN500 to lose it in the second cycle because of the catalyst thermal destruction during the reaction. The application of 1%Pd/MN270 for hydrogenation of carboxyl groups of stearic acid allows the yield of stearyl alcohol to be as high as 99 % at the 100 % conversion of the substrate.