Isomerization and hydrogenation of butene-1 on a zirconia aerogel catalyst

Zirconia is well known as a promising support for active metallic centers but it is also by itself an interesting catalyst for reactions involving hydrogen in particular. This paper describes the catalytic properties of ZrO₂-obtained in the form of an aerogel-, towards butene-1-isomerization and/or its hydrogenation at low temperature. Activation at 430°C in vacuum led to the best results in cis-trans isomerization in the temperature range of 80–200°C. It is shown that at temperatures 150°C a carbanion mechanism is operating while at higher temperatures the thermodynamic selectivity is attained. Selective poisoning experiments by NH₃ or CO₂ were carried out in order to identify the catalytic sites for the isomerization of n-butene.

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, , . ZrO₂, , / -1 . 430°C - 80–200°C. , 150°C , . NH₃ CO₂ -.