A new precursor for the preparation of novel copper chromite catalysts

Abstract

Two copper chromite catalysts were prepared by calcination of a new precursor, copper amino oxalate chromate (CAOC), Cu(NH3)2C2O4CrO4at 623°K in air (cat-A) and in nitrogen atmosphere (cat-B). Both the catalysts and the precursor with a traditionally prepared Adkins' catalyst (cat-C) were characterized by various techniques and evaluated for dehydrogenation of alcohol. Cat-B was concluded to be the most active, needed milder reaction conditions and gave improved product distribution. The novel feature of this catalyst is that it eliminates the ‘reduction step’ which is an essential and very sensitive step of in situ activation, of Cu(II) by hydrogen, of the conventional catalysts (A and C). The extraordinary performance of the novel catalyst is due to its unusual morphology. © 1993, Elsevier Science & Technology All rights reserved.