HETEROPOLY ACID CATALYSTS SUPPORTED ON SILICA WITH LOW ALKALI METAL CONTENT

摘要

This invention relates to a catalyst composition comprising a heteropoly acid or a partial acid salt thereof on a silica support, characterised in that the alkali metal content of the silica support is no more than 150 ppm. The alkali metal content of the silica can be reduced by pretreating the support by acid washing. The catalyst can be used in olefin hydration and the preparation of esters from reaction of olefins and carboxylic acids.