Kinetics of Highly Selective Catalytic Hydrogenation of 2,3,5-Trimethylbenzoquinone on Raney Nickel Catalyst

Abstract

This work focuses on the catalytic hydrogenation of 2,3,5-trimethylbenzoquinone (TMBQ) to 2,3,5-trimethylhydroquinone (TMHQ). Kinetic interpretation has been made by studying the important process parameters using Raney nickel as the catalyst. Thus, at 100% TMBQ conversion level, as high as 100% selectivity to TMHQ was accomplished. Experimentation was performed to acquire the most suitable process conditions from the viewpoint of process research and development.