Application of Heterogeneous Copper Catalyst in a Continuous Flow Process: Dehydrogenation of Cyclohexanol

Abstract

In this laboratory experiment, the synthesis of a supported solid catalyst (Cu/SiO 2 ) and its application in the dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol performed under flow conditions was studied. The experiment was planned for a group of two or three students for two 6 h long sessions. The copper catalyst was synthesized using incipient wetness impregnation of the silica support with copper(II) nitrate trihydrate as the precursor of the active phase. It was then dried, calcined, and reduced. Each step of the synthesis was characterized by color change. The catalytic reaction was performed as a continuous process in a flow reactor, and the postreaction mixture was analyzed using gas chromatography. The laboratory experiment showed practical aspects of heterogeneous catalysis and encouraged students to seek alternative, environmentally friendly methods of organic compound synthesis.

Synthesis and Characterization of H5PV2Mo10O40@Cu3(BTC)2 and Its Use as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for Oxidative Desulfurization: A Comprehensive Chemistry Laboratory Experiment

“…3 Ulkowska et al developed a laboratory experiment, which included the synthesis of a heterogeneous copper catalyst and its application in the dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol performed under flow conditions. 4 The sulfur compounds in fuels can convert into SOx when fuel oils are burning and subsequently cause the formation of smog, PM 2.5, and acid rain. Thus, reducing the level of sulfur content in fuel oils has long been desired for environmental reasons.…”

“…Tao et al presented an educational experiment for advanced organic chemistry students, in which students prepared a tertiaryamine-functionalized polyacrylonitrile fiber and utilized it as heterogeneous catalyst to synthesize substituted 2-amino-2-chromenes . Ulkowska et al developed a laboratory experiment, which included the synthesis of a heterogeneous copper catalyst and its application in the dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol performed under flow conditions …”

Synthesizing CeO2–NiTiO3/Attapulgite and Investigating the Conversion Rate of NOx, Sulfur Resistance, N2 Selectivity, and Stability of the Catalyst through Applied SCR by Upper-Level Undergraduate Students

“…Catalysis is receiving renewed attention, and catalysts are the core in SCR technology. In this Journal , there are many reports of teaching experiments about the synthesis and applications of catalysts in order to help students gain insight into catalysts, − such as Burke et al who introduced using transition-metal complexes as catalysts for radical addition reactions . Malinak et al reported the synthesis and catalytic activity of a vanadium haloperoxidase model complex .…”

Continuous Flow Science in an Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory: Bleach-Mediated Oxidation in a Biphasic System

“…Pertinent examples include experiments in which students fabricate their own multifluidic devices, to other experiments where students exploit existing flow reactors for synthetic or analytical experiments. Some notable examples include a report of the dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol using a heterogeneous copper catalyst in flow, a description of a methylation of 2-naphthol under continuous gas flow conditions, and a report of the synthesis of hydroxymethylfurfural from fructose . Most importantly, a report in 2013 describes experiments designed for laboratories focusing on organic synthesis and provided various examples that demonstrate the advantages of continuous flow versus batch processes to students .…”