Abstract
Rhenium heptoxide, a known catalyst for hydrogenation of car-boxylic acids to alcohols, forms synergistic combinations with palladium, platinum, rhodium and ruthenium catalysts. This effect is also seen at lower presures (500 psi). Synergism is also mainfest when rhenium and palladium (or rhodium) are used as supported catalysts on silica and used in a flow mode. An interaction of un-known nature between the metals suggests itself. The process is not very efficient at lower pressures giving lower conversion in the flow mode. At higher temperatures needed for higher rates, significant participation of side reactions such as decarboxylation of the acid and hydrogenolysis of the alcohol occurs yielding hydrocarbons.
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Trivedi, B.C., Grote, D. & Mason, T.O. Hydrogenation of Carboxylic Acids and Synergistic Catalysts. J Am Oil Chem Soc 58, 17–20 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02666046
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02666046