ABSTRACT
Setrak K. Tanielyan Center for Applied Catalysis, Seton Hall University, South Orange, New Jersey, U.S.A.
ABSTRACT
A class of enhanced Raney® catalysts has been prepared using precious metal ("PM") dopants at efficient low levels (typically 0.25 wt% as PM). In aromatic nitro-to-amine reductions (exemplified here by p-nitrotoluene to p-toluidine in 95% EtOH), the modified catalysts show significantly greater initial activity than conventional Raney catalysts in batch reactions. The activity advantage is maintained through multi-batch recycling or extended continuous use. Increasing PM loading to the still modest 0.5-1.0% PM-on-Ni range lowers the threshold in H2 pressure required for activity gains over unpromoted Ni.
