Abstract
While investigating the reaction of 1-butanol over base catalysts, such as MgO, we observed the formation of small amounts of 4-heptanone. Further studies revealed that a CeO 2/MgO catalyst gave good selectivity to this product. To optimise the reaction and determine the reaction mechanism a series of studies were undertaken in which a range of variables were modified viz. cerium loading, temperature, reagent composition and water addition. The optimum conditions for 4-heptanone yield (25.5%) and selectivity (42.5%) were found to be: 450°C, 1:6 oxygen to butanol reagent mixture and a total gas flow rate of 6.74 ml/min. A reaction mechanism in which butanol is oxidised to butanal and then butanoic acid followed by the coupling of two equivalents of butanoic acid to give the symmetrical ketone 4-heptanone and CO 2 is proposed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
