Process for producing gamma-butyrolactone

摘要

Gamma-butyrolactone is produced by catalytic hydrogenation of maleic anhydride in the vapor phase in the presence of copper chromite based catalysts in reduced form. The reaction is carried out using a substantially uniform catalyst derived substantially from the three components cupric oxide, chromic oxide, and silicon dioxide. The ratio of CuO to Cr2O3 to SiO2 is preferably about 78:20:2. It can prove advantageous to use an inert gas such as nitrogen as a diluent.