Synthesis of 1-ethylpyrrolidone-2 by hydrogenation of 1-vinylpyrrolidone-2 over a Pd/C catalyst

A selective catalytic system for the hydrogenation of 1-vinylpyrrolidone-2 (VP) to 1-ethylpyrrolidone-2 (EP) is found. The factors responsible for the formation of by-products in the conversion of VP are studied. The presence of acid sites or radical species in a catalytic system results in the fast polymerization of VP. The resulting by-product, poly vinylpyrrolidone, may deactivate the hydrogenation catalyst by surface blocking. VP can be hydrogenated to EP under mild conditions and with a high selectivity using a palladium catalyst supported on a porous carbon material Sibunit. The kinetics of VP hydrogenation over the Pd/C catalyst is studied.