SELECTIVE OXIDATION OF CARBON-MONOXIDE IN THE PRESENCE OF BUTANE AND MALEIC-ANHYDRIDE

The selective oxidation of carbon monoxide in the presence of butane a nd maleic anhydride has been studied over platinum- and palladium-cont aining zeolites as well as palladium-on-silica (Pd/SiO2) catalysts. Th e results show that although a zeolite support is needed in many syste ms to effect a kinetic control to improve selectivity, thermodynamic c ontrol using Pd(approximately 2-4 PPM)/SiO2 is sufficient to give the desired selectivities in this system. In addition, a palladium-contain ing vanadium-phosphate catalyst was prepared that showed complete oxid ation of carbon monoxide, conversion of butane to maleic anhydride, an d no observable decomposition of the maleic anhydride. (C) 1994 Academ ic Press. Inc.