Catalytic ketonization of propionic acid. Green chemistry in practice

Abstract

AbstractWe present an experiment offered as a course for undergraduate students at our Faculty. During the laboratory classes, students synthesized 20%wt MnO2/Al2O3 catalyst, which is then used in the catalytic reaction—the propionic acid ketonization leading to 3-pentanone. The reaction is carried out in a flow system, in the presence of a solid catalyst bed, in the range of temperatures from 573 to 673 K. Students also perform thermodynamic calculations regarding the reaction. They estimate Gibbs free energy, then calculate equilibrium constant and the conversion of substrate—propionic acid.