The Isomerization of cis-2-Butene over SO2-adsorbing Mg(OH)2 and MgO

Article abstract of DOI:10.1246/bcsj.53.310

The reaction of butenes caused by the surface compounds formed from SO2 on Mg(OH)2 or MgO has been studied.It has been shown that the cis-trans isomerizatin of 2-butene is selectively induced by the sulfur compounds.This specific isomerization has been explained by the previously proposed mechanism that the reaction is accompanied by the copolymerization of 2-butene and SO2.The infrared spectroscopic study on the sulfur compounds formed on Mg(OH)2 or on MgO has demonstrated the presence of SO3^2-, SO4^2-, or sulfinato complexes.The formation of these surface species may cause strong electrostatic field on the surface, resulting in the polarization of reactant molecules, which is necessary for the initiation of the copolymerization or of the cis-trans isomerization.It has been shown, however, that the presence of weakly adsorbed SO2 is essential for determining the catalytic activities of the solids in the SO2-induced isomerization.