Selective catalytic behaviour of tungsten carbide in the liquid-phase hydrogenation of organic compounds

Abstract

The catalytic activity of tungsten carbide for liquid-phase hydrogenation has been studied in acidic (H₂SO₄) media at 40–90 °C. Tungsten carbide proved to be a selective catalyst, easily promoting the reduction of aromatic nitro-compounds and quinones. However, the saturation of double and triple bonds, aromatic nuclei, and oxo-groups did not occur under these conditions. The effect of temperature and the composition of the liquid phase on the rate of hydrogen uptake have been studied. Some problems concerning the mechanism of hydrogenation are discussed.