Abstract

Selective Synthesis of 2-Picoline via Vapour Phase Methylation of Pyridine over Nanocrystalline Ferrospinels of Cd1-XCrxFe2O4 Type (X = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0)

Author(s): Pawan, Surander Singh and R. K. Gupta

Methylation of pyridine with methanol was investigated over Cd1-xCrxFe2O4 (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0) type ferrospinels prepared via low temperature co-precipitation method. 2-Picoline and 3- picoline were found to be major products. Products distribution and individual selectivity depends on the acido-basic properties of catalysts. It was observed that system possessing high ‘x’ value were highly selective for 2-picoline. Cd/Cr ionic composition in spinel lattice influences the acido-basic properties of catalysts. The influence of surface acid-base properties, cation distribution in the spinel lattice and various reaction parameters are discussed.