Improved selectivity to lower substituted methylamines using hydrothermally treated zeolite Rho

Abstract

Zeolite Rho is of particular interest for the methanol ammination reaction. Reaction/regeneration cycles on Rho lead to improved activity and selectivity. This is shown to be caused by the combustion on the surface of residual methyl groups, which leads to in situ steaming of the catalyst. Mild hydrothermal treatment gives similar results. The results of both cases are attributed to physico-chemical changes within the catalyst.