Selective Hydrogenation of 3 Butenonitrile and 2 Butenonitrile On Palladium Exchanged Titanium Pillared Montmorillonite

Thermally stable titanium pillared montmorillonite have been synthesized and used as support for preparing palladium exchanged high microporous catalysts. Low Pd content does not modify the physico-chemical properties of the pillared support, while 3 wt% Pd deposited on the Ti montmorillonite slightly decreases the surface area and microporosity of the catalysts. Selective hydrogenation of 3 butenonitrile and 2 butenonitrile to butyronitrile is observed without isomerization. Progressive poisoning of the catalytic sites and possible diffusional limitations alter the activity of these catalysts.