The Oxidation of Carbon Monoxide as an Integrated Part of the Coupled Alkane Oxidation Process: Gas-Phase Oxidation over Supported Metal-Complex Catalysts

Abstract

Heterogeneous rhodium–copper chloride catalysts for gas-phase oxidation processes were prepared via the cold impregnation of γ-Al₂O₃ with aqueous RhCl₃ and CuCl₂ solutions. Heptafluorobutyric or pentafluorobenzoic acids were additionally deposited onto these catalysts to simulate the action of homogeneous rhodium–copper chloride catalytic systems in the coupled alkane–carbon monoxide oxidation reaction. The catalysts were studied in the reactions of carbon monoxide oxidation and coupled propane–CO oxidation with dioxygen by diffuse reflectance IR Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The obtained data indicate the probable transfer of electrons between rhodium and copper compounds.