Isotopic solvent effect in hydrogenation on a supported nickel catalyst

Abstract

A supported nickel catalyst, commonly applied in industrial hydrogenation of fatts and oils, was used to study the effect of replacement of the light water solvent, with heavy water, on the addition of hydrogen on a double bond of maleic acid. The effect was investigated of the composition and temperature of the solution, on the reaction rate, as well as, the relation between the reaction rate and the amount of the acid absorbed on the catalyst. Reaction mechanism with respect to the hydrogenated organic compound is proposed.