Liquid phase hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde was investigated using Pd/C powder catalysts treated with four different potassium salts: potassium hydroxide, potassium chloride, potassium acetate, and potassium carbonate. The catalyst powders were characterized using high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HR-XPS) and scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Liquid phase hydrogenations were carried out at atmospheric pressure using a hydrogen balloon. Samples were extracted every 30 min for 3 hr and characterized by GC/MS. Analysis of the catalysts by HR-XPS revealed varying ratios of Pd0:Pd2+ and amounts of potassium. Treatment with potassium salts decreased the overall amount of Pd at the surface, but increased the amount of Pd2+. Data from SEM-EDS analysis was in agreement with HR-XPS in that potassium was only detected on the catalysts treated with KOH and K2CO3. The predominant product was hydrocinnamaldehyde over all catalysts, but traces of 3-phenylpropanol and cinnamyl alcohol were also observed in varying amounts depending on the catalyst. Connections between the composition and function of the catalysts will be presented.

Liquid phase hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde using Pd/C catalyst treated with potassium salts

248th National Meeting (2014)

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