Conversion of 2-propanol over chromium orthophosphates

The conversion (dehydration/dehydrogenation) of 2-propanol on a series of CrPO₄ (Cr/P=1) catalysts, differently prepared and thermally treated at 773–1073 K, has been studied by microcatalytic pulse reactor technique at different temperatures (473–573 K). Catalytic performance is strongly affected by the precipitation agent. Catalysts obtained in propylene oxide-aqueous ammonia showed the highest activity towards propene compared to other catalysts. Calcination at increasing temperatures caused a decrease in activity due to the decrease in surface acid character. Dehydrogenation to 2-propanone occurs to a small extent at all reaction temperatures. Propene selectivity strongly increases with increasing reaction temperature.