WATER CONTAINING NIOBIUM OXIDE SOLID ACID CATALYST

摘要

A solid acid catalyst comprises essentially hydrated niobium oxide containing a phosphoric acid particularly on its surface in an amount sufficient to increase surface acidity, to inhibit crystallization of the niobium oxide and to retard loss in catalytic activity following exposure to high temperature. The catalyst can be prepared by treating hydrated niobium oxide (Nb2O5.xH2O) or an anhydride thereof with a phosphoric acid. The catalyst is particularly useful in the hydration of ethylene to form ethanol.