Catalytic decomposition of benzyl alcohol using copper aluminate

摘要

Copper aluminate prepared by co-precipitation method catalyses the decomposition of benzyl alcohol forming benzaldehyde, toluene, water and hydrogen. Single phase formation of copper aluminate has been identified using X-ray diffraction technique. Copper aluminate acts as a dehydrogenating catalyst forming benzaldehyde. Toluene formation may be due to hydrogenolysis of benzyl alcohol. The effect of temperature and contact time has been studied. Energy of activation has been calculated from the Arrhenius plot. Partial pressure studies have been conducted using benzaldehyde to study the mechanistic aspects. Addition of benzaldehyde inhibits dehydrogenation of benzyl alcohol. Desorption of benzaldehyde can therefore be considered the rate-determining step.