Role of Pd(0) particles in oxidation of lower olefins in the catalytic system Fe(III)_Pd/ZrO2

Oxidation of metallic Pd(0) particles applied onto an oxide support with Fe(III) ions in a concentration not exceeding 0.06 M at 70°C was studied. In contrast to palladium black, with the supported catalyst Pd/ZrO₂ Pd(II) is formed in the solution in the concentration corresponding to the thermodynamic equilibrium. With an increase in the initial Fe(III) concentration, the equilibrium yield of Pd(II) increases. The initial reaction rate grows with an increase in the weight of the initial Pd-containing catalyst and in the initial Fe(III) concentration. The revealed kinetic relationships of the dissolution of Pd(0) in the reaction with Fe(III) aqua ions allow a conclusion that, in oxidation of lower olefins C₂-C₄ in the catalytic system Fe(III)_Pd/ZrO₂ in aqueous solution, Pd(II) is regenerated in the catalytic cycle by oxidation of Pd(I) species, rather than of Pd(0), with Fe(III) aqua ions.