CATALYTIC-HYDROGENATION OF ISOMERIC CRESOLS OVER A SILICA-SUPPORTED CROSS-LINKED POLY[(MALEIC ACID)-CO-STYRENE]-PLATINUM COMPLEX

A silica-supported cross-linked poly[(maleic acid)-co-styrene]-platinu m complex (PMS-Pt) has been prepared and characterized by means of FT- IR and XPS. It was found to be an active and stable catalyst in the hy drogenation of isomeric cresols in the temperature of 30-50 degrees C and at atmospheric pressure. The effects of various reaction parameter s, such as COOH/Pt mole ratio in the complex, catalyst quantity, react ion temperature, solvents and additives etc., on the hydrogenation of cresols have been studied. It is suggested that methylcyclohexanones a re formed as intermediates, and these will undergo further hydrogenati on to give methylcyclohexanols.