HYDROGENATION AND METHYLATION OF DODECYL NITRILE IN THE PRESENCE OF COPPER-CATALYSTS SUPPORTED ON ALUMINA .1. CHARACTERIZATION OF THE CATALYSTS

Mixed copper and chromium oxides supported on alumina were used in the catalytic synthesis of fatty amines from fatty nitriles (methylation reaction). Bimetallic catalysts ( [Cu/Cr]at=0.25, 0.8 and 3.5) were compared to monometallic catalysts. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to follow the evolution of the sample surface throughout the catalytic process (freshly calcined, reduced, after use). These data, together with data from temperature-programmed reduction, N2O decomposition (for Cu0 specific area determination) and chemisorption-thermodesorption of hydrogen and ammonia demonstrated the roles of copper and chromium in the Cu(alpha)Cr(beta)O4 phase during the reduction and the use of the catalysts.