Selective hydrogenation of menthone on Raney nickel catalyst

The present study deals with the selective hydrogenation of menthone to menthol in a Parr reactor. The reactions are carried out in the temperature range of 100-200°C, pressure range of 5-20 kg/cm 2 , 100 mL solvent and catalyst to substrate ratio ranging from 0-10% for a reaction time of 4-5 h. The samples are then analyzed using a gas chromatograph for determining the conversion and then selectivities are determined. The effect of various parameters such as reaction temperature, pressure, reaction time, type of solvent, type of catalyst, catalyst to substrate weight ratio, preactivation of the catalyst and precalcination of the catalyst on the selectivity and conversion was investigated. Optimization of process parameters was attempted to maximize the yield of menthol.