Acetone condensation over molybdenum nitride and carbide catalysts

Abstract

Acetone condensation was carried out over high surface area molybdenum nitride and carbide catalysts. Rates and selectivities for these materials were compared to those for MgO (a solid base catalyst), USY (a solid acid catalyst) and 1% Pt/SiO 2 (a supported noble metal catalyst). The Mo 2N catalyst as well as MgO and USY catalyzed the condensation of acetone to products including mesityl oxide (MO), mesitylene and isophorone. Areal rates for the Mo 2C and Mo 2N catalysts were higher than those for the MgO and USY catalysts. The Mo 2N catalyst was most active for mesityl oxide production. The formation of mesitylene and isophorone over this catalyst indicated that Mo 2N possessed strong acid and base sites, respectively. Results from the thermal desorption of CO 2 and NH 3 confirmed the presence of these sites. The hydrogenation of acetone to isopropanol (IPA) and its subsequent dehydration to propylene were predominant reactions for the Mo 2C and 1% Pt/SiO 2 catalysts. Differences between the Mo 2N and Mo 2C catalysts are explained based on their base, acid and metallic properties.