Application of supported lanthanum catalysts in the hydrogenation of nitriles

Kinga Juhász,Zoltán Hell,László Hegedűs,Diána Balogh-Weiser,Krisztina Lévay,Laurence Pirault-Roy

doi:10.1007/s11144-021-02028-2

Abstract

Nickel and lanthanum on MgO or MgO–Al2O3 catalysts were prepared and characterized. The applicability of the catalysts was studied in the liquid-phase hydrogenation of benzonitrile. A La/MgO catalyst showed surprisingly high activity and selectivity. The scope of the reaction was extended to other nitriles (benzyl cyanide, cinnamonitrile, adiponitrile) over this La/MgO catalyst.

Highlights

Heterogeneous catalysis is a widely researched field in organic chemistry
The activity of the catalysts was tested in the heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation of benzonitrile
The activity of the catalysts was tested in the heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation of benzonitrile in methanol without any additives

Summary

Introduction

Heterogeneous catalysis is a widely researched field in organic chemistry. About 85–90% of all chemical manufacturing processes require the use of a catalyst. Among these reactions about 80–85% applies heterogeneous catalysis [1]. The elaboration of new heterogeneous catalytic methods is of great importance in synthetic organic chemistry. Primary amines represent an important group of intermediates and are widely used in the pharmaceutical and herbicide industry.

Institute of Chemistry of Poitiers

Results and discussion

Conclusions