Preparation, Characterization of MCM-49 and Catalytic Performance of Pd/MCM-49 Catalysts in One-step Synthesis of MIBK from Acetone

Highly crystalline and pure MCM-49 was hydrothermally synthesized by a dynamic method, and it was used as supports to prepare Pd/MCM-49 catalysts by ion-exchange method. The physicochemical properties of the samples were characterized by XRD, TEM, TG-DTG and ICP. MCM-49 synthesized was markedly different from those in previous reports, showing much smaller crystals. One-step synthesis of methyl isobutyl ketone from acetone was investigated over Pd/MCM-49. These catalysts showed a high reactivity and selectivity to MIBK, reaching a conversion of 35.6% and a selectivity of 85% to MIBK. Stable MIBK yields were obtained during 60 h of time on stream.