Vapour Phase Conversion of Glycerol to Acrolein over Supported Copper

Abstract

This paper describes the investigations carried out on the vapor-phase conversion(dehydration) of glycerol to acrolein over copper catalysts in a packed bed flow reactor. The catalysts were prepared by deposition precipitation method using metal oxide and mixed metal oxide supports taking ceria as main constituent in all supports. Acrolein was produced unexpectedly as major product. Undesired by-product formation was reduced by, operating the reactor in vapor-phase mode at a specific temperature and thereby increased the overall yield of acrolein. © 2012 King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.