CATALYTIC OXYDEHYDROGENATION OF 2-ETHYLPYRIDINE

A wide variety of metal oxides and phosphates have been investigated a s possible catalysts for the oxydehydrogenation of 2-ethylpyridine in the presence of steam at 773-873 K and atmospheric pressure. In genera l, mild oxidation-dehydrogenation catalysts showed higher yields. SnO2 /SiO2 proved the most interesting catalyst, with initial 2-ethylpyridi ne conversion near 50%, initial selectivity to 2-vinylpyridine higher than 80% and easy reproducibility. The effect of SnO2 content and of t he nature of the support is discussed. Extended time runs showed a dec rease of initial yield after 40 h on stream. However, air regeneration of aged catalyst led to a complete recovery of initial activity. The influence of reaction parameters, such as temperature and feed composi tion, has also been investigated.