A Novel method for the catalytic partial hydrogenation of diolefins to mono-olefins. Preparation of cycloalkenes
Abstract
Alkali metals dispersed on alumina are extremely active catalysts for the migration of double bonds. Selective reduction of the conjugated isomers (formed in situ) of diolefins to mono-olefins occurs in the presence of hydrogen. For open-chain compounds an equilibrium mixture of mono-olefins is obtained, so that the preparative value is limited to the simple (higher) cyclic hydrocarbons. Complete reduction occurs with cyclohexadiene, whereas cyclopentadiene and cyclo decadiene are not reduced.