Selective isoprene hydrogenation over LnNi (Ln=Pr, Gd, Tm) intermetallic compounds

Abstract

Isoprene hydrogenation on LnNi (Ln=Pr, Gd, Tm) rare earth intermetallic compounds has been studied. The effect of rare earth elements on nickel catalytic behaviour was investigated. The results at steady state indicate that the compounds are all more active than pure nickel. The main reaction products are 2M2B (2-methyl-2-butene) and 2M1B (2-methyl-1-butene) with a selectivity greater than 90%. The activity at t o (initial time reaction) and the selectivity at isoprene isoactivity clearly indicate the promotion of nickel’s catalytic behaviour by the rare earth element.