THE CATALYTIC DEHYDRATION OF ETHYL ALCOHOL BY ALUMINA. II.

Abstract

The decomposition of ethyl alcohol by two different samples of commercial alumina at 318° and 450 °C. has been studied. The effect of time or previous use of the catalyst on the course of the reaction has been examined at 300° and 318 °C. It has been found that the course of the reaction changes with change in water content of the catalysts. For the particular alumina used, there is one optimum water content for the production of ether and another for ethylene. For catalysts initially high in water there is a change in the sense of the reaction with use. Ignited catalysts of zero water content are not inactive, but become less effective for dehydration; this favors the production of ether.