Selective hydrogenation of acetic acid toward acetaldehyde

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/recl.19941131004

As a model reaction for the selective hydrogenation of carboxylic acids towards aldehydes, the reaction of acetic acid towards acetaldehyde has been investigated.Various oxides are used as catalysts, including platinum-enriched oxides.It appeared that oxides with a moderate metal-oxygen bond strength are good catalysts, provided that a source of activated hydrogen is present.On exposure to molecular hydrogen zero-valent metals can produce activated hydrogen.Addition of precious metals, such as Pt, or completely reducing part of the oxidic catalyst can provide the zero-valent metal.The hydrogenation probably occurs on the oxidic surface by a Mars and Van Krevelen type of mechanism.