We are pleased to share our work on vapor-phase aldol condensation of biomass-derived 2,5-hexanedione to 3-methyl-2-cyclopentenone over yttrium zirconate (50YZrO) catalyst. Even though bare 50YZrO was deactivated during the catalytic process due to coke formation regardless of the reaction conditions, the modification with Ag and operation in H2 flow was proven effective in tackling this issue. The poisoning experiment using CO2, 2,6-, and 3,5-dimethylpyridine indicates that the aldol condensation utilizes the acid and base sites of the 50YZrO catalyst, suggesting that the aldol condensation proceeds via an acid-base concerted mechanism.
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2moRefiners should be more focused on short turnaround duration, not trying to get a 7 year run.