CATALYTIC DECOMPOSITION OF BENZYL ALCOHOL USING COPPER ALUMINATE

Copper aluminate prepared by co-precipitation method catalyses the dec omposition of benzyl alcohol forming benzaldehyde, toluene, water and hydrogen. Single phase formation of copper aluminate has been identifi ed using X-ray diffraction technique. Copper aluminate acts as a dehyd rogenating catalyst forming benzaldehyde. Toluene formation may be due to hydrogenolysis of benzyl alcohol. The effect of temperature and co ntact time has been studied. Energy of activation has been calculated from the Arrhenius plot. Partial pressure studies have been conducted using benzaldehyde to study the mechanistic aspects. Addition of benza ldehyde inhibits dehydrogenation of benzyl alcohol. Desorption of benz aldehyde can therefore be considered the rate-determining step.