Robert G. Schultz

Olefin dimerization over cobalt-oxide-on-carbon catalysts: II. Butene and hexene dimerization

Abstract Butene and hexene dimerizations over cobalt-oxide-on-carbon catalysts have been studied and the structures of the products determined. Dimerization of internal olefins has been demonstrated using catalysts containing both dimerization and isomerization functions. A mechanism for the reaction is proposed.

Olefin dimerization over cobalt-oxide-on-carbon catalysts: I. Propylene dimerization

Abstract Cobalt-oxide-on-carbon catalysts were studied in the propylene dimerization reaction with the aim of obtaining a reasonable yield of n -hexenes. Through an investigation of catalyst preparation variables such as activation temperature, metal oxide level, and modifier treatments, a catalyst of greatly increased activity was obtained. These variables exerted a profound effect on product distribution as well as on catalyst activity, and with the preferred catalyst system, a product containing 52% n -hexenes was obtained. Optimum conditions for the dimerization reaction were determined in both batch and continuous systems. In the latter, the optimum catalyst composition was capable of producing 100 gal of dimer product per pound of catalyst before regeneration. A mechanism for the dimerization reaction which draws upon recent advances in homogeneous catalysis is proposed.

The chemistry of palladium complexes: VI. Studies on the palladium(II)-catalyzed decomposition of vinyl acetate☆

Abstract The kinetics and mechanism of the palladium(II)-catalyzed decomposition of vinyl acetate to give acetaldehyde and acetic anhydride were studied. The experiments were performed in acetic acid in the presence and absence of excess chloride, nitrile, and water, which served either as promoters or inhibitors for the decomposition reaction. Rate constants are plotted and tabulated for a variety of reaction conditions and a mechanism that is supported by deuterium studies is proposed.