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Title: Competitive hydrogenation of benzene and toluene on palladium and platinum catalysts

Journal Article · · Journal of Catalysis
;  [1]
  1. Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park, PA (United States)

This study examines the influence of the support on the relative hydrogenation rates of benzene and toluene in mixtures, and it also analyzes the influence of the chosen reaction model on the interpretation of fitted rate parameters. Relative hydrogenation rates, R{sub T/B}, over Pd catalysts at an 50/50 (molar) benzene/toluene mixture had little dependence on the support, the pretreatment temperature, or the reaction temperature. A supported Pt catalyst was also studied, and the threefold higher R{sub T/B} value for Pt indicates that toluene hydrogenation was more favored over Pt compared to Pd. The variations in the ratio of adsorption equilibrium constants, K{sub T/B,} which have been attributed previously to changes in the electron deficiency of the metal based on a simple dual-site kinetic model, have been reexamined. Some internal inconsistencies which existed when the kinetic parameters were evaluated at different reaction temperatures were removed when a more comprehensive model invoking formation of hydrogen-deficient surface species was utilized. These apparent K{sub T/B} ratios can include additional kinetic dehydrogenation parameters, and analysis of the results with the latter model revealed that these K{sub T/B} ratios can also reflect the relative formation of hydrogen-deficient species like phenyl or tolyl groups. Consequently, the assumption that variations in K{sub T/B} values represent only changes in relative adsorbate bond strength must be viewed with caution because the propensity of the metal surface to form hydrogen-deficient surface species under reaction conditions may also alter these ratios. 52 refs., 5 figs., 6 tabs.

DOE Contract Number:
FG02-84ER13276
OSTI ID:
447118
Journal Information:
Journal of Catalysis, Vol. 161, Issue 2; Other Information: PBD: Jul 1996
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English