ETHYLENE OXIDATION ON A SUPPORTED LIQUID-PHASE WACKER CATALYST

The oxidation of ethylene to acetaldehyde with a supported liquid-phase (SLP) wacker catalyst has been investigated. The active phase of the catalyst, a chlorinated solution of PdCl//2, CuCl//2, and Cu(NO//3)//2, was supported on three aluminas of differing texture. The reaction was studied in the temperature range 40-80 degree C as a function of the catalyst liquid loading. A unimodal size distribution was found desirable in optimizing overall activity, and maximum activity was obtained for a liquid loading of about 0. 1 volume liquid catalyst phase/volume pores. Kinetic studies in excess oxygen suggest that the reaction is approximately first order in ethylene. Catalyst deactivation is probably related to a loss of Cl** minus during the reaction cycle.