TiO2/SO4/Ni@SBA-15 catalysts for the selective oxidation of veratryl alcohol to veratraldehyde in a continuous reactor

Abstract

Veratraldehyde is a crucial industrial component used to make important chemicals, drugs, flavours, perfumes, mosquito repellents and cancer-fighting substances. This research focuses on the continuous processing of veratryl alcohol to veratraldehyde using the catalyst system composed of SBA-15/TiO2/SO4/Ni. The objective of this study is to explore variations in continuous processing parameters and catalyst loading to achieve maximum conversion and selectivity of veratraldehyde. The catalyst was synthesized and then characterized using the X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Temperature Programmed Desorption (TPD). The catalyst was successfully synthesized, and the results of these characterization procedures revealed its particular porosity structure and composition. By attaining maximum conversion and selectivity at a lower temperature of 90 °C, the continuous process highlighted the catalyst's energy efficiency. The findings demonstrated that the highest veratraldehyde selectivity and yield were obtained under optimal reaction conditions, including a reaction time of 2 h for the catalyst SBA-15/TiO2/SO4/Ni(8%). This catalyst produced the best results, with a veratraldehyde selectivity and conversion of 100 and 99.5%, respectively. In addition to optimising the reaction conditions, the catalyst's reusability was assessed by running the same catalyst through the reaction seven times. The outcomes demonstrated that even after numerous applications, the catalyst maintained good activity and selectivity. This shows the promise of the SBA-15/ TiO2/SO4/Ni(8) catalyst system for the selective oxidation of veratryl alcohol to veratraldehyde in terms of excellent selectivity, good yield, and reusability. Veratraldehyde could be produced industrially at low cost and with minimal impact on the environment thanks to this investigation of a continuous process.