Efficient synthesis of methacroelin and other alpha, beta-unsaturated aldehydes over a regenerable anatase titania catalyst

Abstract

A commercially available anatase titania catalyst is shown to be catalytically active towards the formation of methacrolein from formaldehyde and propionaldehyde with conversions and selectivities close to 90%. This titania catalyst is readily available, non-toxic, and can be used with formaldehyde and a variety of other aldehyde compounds to make α,β-unsaturated aldehyde compounds. This process benefits from low raw material costs and is economically advantaged due to the elimination of catalyst separation. An additional advantage of this method involves the ability of the catalyst to be fully regenerated after a calcination step at 450° C. in air. This process shows promising stability and selectivity during lifetime studies, particularly when performed in the presence of a hydrogen carrier gas.