Synthesis of Methyl Isobutyl Ketone from Acetone and Hydrogen Catalyzed by Palladium Supported on Zirconium Phosphate

Abstract The one-step synthesis of methylisobutyl ketone from acetone and hydrogen was investigated by using palladium supported on zirconium phosphate, a bifunctional catalyst. Effects of reaction variables on both the conversion of acetone and the selectivity of methylisobutyl ketone were examined. The experiments were carried out with a continuous flow unit at 110–140°C and 7–25 kg/cm2 over a range of liquid hourly space velocity of acetone for 2–15 hr−1 with a mole ratio of hydrogen to acetone in the range 0.2–1.45. Under these conditions, the conversion of acetone was 20–40%, the selectivity of methylisobutyl ketone being as much 90–97 mol%. It is suggested that the one-step reaction proceeds via a consecutive mechanism.