Selective catalytic hydrogenation of acetophenone to1-phenylethanoloverCo/mordenite in water

Abstract

The selective catalytic hydrogenation of acetophenone (AP)to 1-phenylethanol (PhE) has been studied in water, ethanol and n-hexanesolvent over Co/mordenite. It was shown that the highest yield of PhE (99.9%) was obtained in water solvent. The adsorption of AP hindered the adsorption of PhE in water, which in turn reduced the rate of hydrogenolysis of PhE to ethylbenzene (EB).By increasing the reaction temperature the hydrogenolysis of PhE to EB is promoted. The water phase was collected after reaction and reused successfully. The yield of PhE was 96.1% when the AP concentration in solution and the catalyst loading increased to three times. The neutral and alkaline conditions were beneficial to the hydrogenation of AP to PhE in water.