Hydrogenation of carbonylic compounds

In this study several metal catalysts have been applied (viz. Pt, Pd, Rh and Ga-promoted Pt) in the reactions of 1-propanol and 2-propanol (in hydrogen). Information obtained in this way is used to elucidate the effects of alcohols (n- and iso-alcohols) on the hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds over the catalysts mentioned above. Effects of gaseous additives, effects of promoters thereon and, some other effects can be explained by the model suggested by Van der Burg et al. Discussion based on the results obtained by this study and on information from the literature, leads to the conclusion that in hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds the addition of the first hydrogen atom is the most probable rate-determining step.