HYDROGENATION OF BENZENE TO CYCLOHEXENE OVER POLYMER-SUPPORTED RUTHENIUM CATALYSTS

Partial liquid-phase hydrogenation of benzene to cyclohexene over ruth enium catalysts supported on charcoal and anionic cross-linked polymer s is described. The influence of the polarity of polymeric supports, n ature of the solvent and the presence of zinc additives on the perform ance of the catalyst in a glass-lined reactor at 100-110 degrees C and a pressure of 1.5 MPa have been studied. It has been found that at 42 -47% conversion of benzene, the selectivity to cyclohexene, observed i n water with Ru catalysts supported on a strongly hydrophilic micropor ous resin, is higher than that displayed by Ru supported on charcoal. The effect of water on the performance of the catalyst is probably a r esult of formation of a suitable environment around Ru particles acid of a good accessibility of metal particles dispersed within the hydrop hilic polymer support.