Selective hydrogenation of maleic anhydride to gamma-butyrolactone over Pd/Al2O3 catalyst using supercritical CO2 as solvent.
A selective hydrogenation of maleic anhydride to either gamma-butyrolactone or succinic anhydride over simple Pd/Al2O3 catalyst under supercritical CO2 medium is described for the first time which has considerable promise for both lab-scale as well as industrial selective hydrogenations of low vapor pressure compounds without employing environmentally harmful organic solvents.
National Risk Management Research Laboratory (NRMRL), Sustainable Technology Division, MS 443, United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA), Cincinnati, Ohio 45268, USA.
Unnikrishnan R
UR
Pillai
Endalkachew
E
Sahle-Demessie