Process and catalyst for the selective hydrogenation of butynediol to butenediol

摘要

PCT No. PCT/EP95/02592 Sec. 371 Date Mar. 20, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date Mar. 20, 1997 PCT Filed Jul. 4, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO96/01242 PCT Pub. Date Jan. 18, 1996A process is disclosed for the selective hydrogenation of butynediol to 2-butene-1,4-diol using a palladium catalyst to which either copper and zinc, or silver and zinc, or copper, silver and zinc are added as doping agents. In the preferred embodiment, it has been possible, by optimizing the composition of the catalyst, to improve the activity and selectivity of the catalysts in question while also eliminating the need to handle toxic substances during the catalyst manufacturing process.