HYDROGENATION OF OLEIC-ACID TO 9-OCTADECEN-1-OL WITH RHENIUM-TIN CATALYST

A new supported bimetallic catalyst, rhenium-tin, is able to reduce ol eic acid to 9-octadecen-1-ol (cis and trans isomers) with appreciable yield under mild hydrogenation conditions. This paper reports investig ations on the effects of catalyst preparation methods, types of suppor t, catalyst raw materials, mole ratio of the metals, activation and re action conditions on the activity and selectivity of the catalyst. Cat alyst derived from the combination of ammonium perrhenate and stannic chloride on alumina gave the best performance, and the presence of tin in the catalyst is essential for the preservation of the olefinic bon d of the oleic acid during hydrogenation.