| Popis: |
In the synthesis of fatty alcohols by hydrogenolysis of fatty acid methyl esters, small amounts of free fatty acids in the feed negatively affect the reactivity of copper-silica based catalysts. The effect of the acid was investigated in relation to the production of water, the nature of the inhibiting species, and the degree of reduction of the catalyst. Inhibition is reversible and not due to catalyst deactivation. Water is not the inhibiting species. Furthermore, formation of copper and zinc soaps was excluded. Lauric acid in the methyl ester feed reacts preferentially, but at a lower rate than the ester. Inhibition most likely stems from a preferential adsorption of the acid at the active sites of the catalyst. The consequences for practical applications are discussed. |
Full text from SpringerLink