Butadione synthesis by dehydrogenation and oxidative dehydrogenation of 2,3-butanediol

The results of a complex investigation of the process and catalysts for heterogeneous synthesis of butadione (diacetyl) are presented. A series of the dehydrogenating catalysts for this reaction was investigated. The attention was focused on the study of 2,3-butanediol dehydrogenation and oxidative dehydrogenation to butadione using vanadium-magnesium oxide catalysts and zinc-chromium oxide catalysts. Kinetic data and data on the reaction mechanism were obtained. Butadione conversion is believed to proceed via consecutive elimination of hydrogen molecules and intermediate formation of acetoin. The efficiency of zinc-chromium and vanadium-magnesium oxide catalysts in the reaction of butanediol dehydrogenation has been established. The optimum reaction conditions in butadione synthesis providing high yields and selectivity have been found. Experimental substantiation of principles for the purposeful synthesis of the catalytic systems mentioned above is considered. The catalysts were prepared based on these principles.