AN 'IN-SITU' PREPARED, IMPROVED CATALYST FOR LOW PRESSURE CONTINUOUS BUTYNEDIOL SYNTHESIS

摘要

An 'in-situ' prepared catalyst for low pressure ethynylation is disclosed. Heretofore, ethynylation catalyst precursors have often been prepared separately, then charged to suitable reactors for conversion to active cuprous acetylide complexes. In the present catalyst preparation procedure, a support of suitable shape and size is initially charged directly to the reactor. The support is then impregnated with metal salts and dried. Alkaline wash steps follow, and the catalyst is then activated by reaction with acetylene and formaldehyde. The resulting catalyst provides high activity, long life and good quality ethynylation products. Easy scaleup without loss of performance can be carried out using single tube or multi-tube industrial scale reactors. NOx consumption makes catalyst preparation eco-friendly, and ease of regeneration reduces disposal problems.