CHARACTERIZATION AND CATALYTIC ACTIVITY OF CUCL2-AL2O3 ETHYLENE OXYCHLORINATION CATALYSTS

CuCl2/Al2O3 ethylene oxychlorination catalysts have been characterized by using IR spectroscopy of the surface hydroxy-groups and of adsorbe d pyridine and CO2. The ethylene oxychlorination reaction to 1,2-dichl oroethane has been investigated by using pulse reactor studies and in- situ IR experiments in static conditions. The results allowed emphasiz ing the negative role of uncovered alumina surface, evidenced by IR ex periments, considered to be responsible for the dehydrochlorination of 1,2-dichloroethane with a consequent loss in selectivity that is very important in low Cu-loading samples. (C) 1998 Academic Press.