VAPOR-PHASE SYNTHESIS OF ISOBUTYRALDEHYDE FROM METHANOL AND ETHANOL OVER MIXED-OXIDE SUPPORTED VANADIUM-OXIDE CATALYSTS

The vapour phase synthesis of isobutyraldehyde from methanol and ethan ol in one step was investigated over titania-silica, titania-alumina, titania-zirconia, titania-silica-zirconia, and magnesia supported vana dium oxide catalysts at 623 K and under normal atmospheric pressure. A mong various catalysts the titania-silica binary oxide supported vanad ia provided higher yields than the other single or mixed oxide support ed catalysts. The high conversion and product selectivity of V2O5/TiO2 -SiO2 catalyst (20 wt% V2O5) was related to the better dispersion of v anadium oxide over titania-silica mixed oxide support in addition to o ther acid-base and redox characteristics. A reaction path for the form ation of isobutyraldehyde from methanol and ethanol mixtures over thes e catalysts was described.