Gas-phase ketonization of acetic acid over Co–Mo and its supported catalysts

Abstract

Ketonization of acetic acid was carried out in the gas phase over bulk and supported cobalt–molybdenum catalysts using a fixed-bed reactor. The conditions of the reaction were: 0.2 g of catalyst, 200–400°C, 1 bar pressure, 2 vol% of acetic acid and 20 mL min−1 of nitrogen flow. Bulk and supported catalysts were prepared and calcined at 400°C in N2 flow for 3 h to obtain metal oxides. Both bulk and supported catalysts were tested in the ketonization reaction of acetic acid to form acetone. They have been found active catalysts in this reaction. The catalytic activity was enhanced further by supported catalysts. 20% Co–Mo/Al2O3 catalyst showed superior catalytic performance in the ketonization of acetic acid, with 95% of acetone selectivity at 96% of acetic acid conversion at 380°C, 1 bar and 20 mL min−1 of N2 flow. These materials were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, nitrogen sorption and FTIR using pyridine adsorption.