Selective Hydrogenation of 1,3-Butadiene to 1-Butene: Review on Catalysts, Selectivity, Kinetics and Reaction Mechanism

Catalytic hydrogenation of 1,3-butadiene to produce selectively 1-butene has considerable importance in the hydrocarbon industry and presents a significant challenge in tuning the catalyst selectivity towards 1-butene, understanding the reaction and kinetic mechanism. Selective hydrogenation over metal oxide-supported palladium catalysts is considered as a standard process; however, selectivity towards 1-butene is achieved by alloying palladium with other metals that facilitate the desorption of adsorbed alkene intermediate and limit further hydrogenation to form butane. In this book chapter, we summarize the current state of the art and perception of various factors that control the catalyst activity, adsorption of intermediates on the active sites and eventually the selectivity. In particular, we present a concise description of active metal dispersion, structure sensitivity, influence of support, promoter and their role in governing the selectivity of 1-butene from 1,3-butadiene hydrogenation. Then, this chapter highlights the detailed analysis of reaction kinetics and reaction mechanisms that are proposed clearly. Finally, a brief overview of the theoretical investigations for 1,3-butadiene hydrogenation using density functional theory (DFT) calculations has also been discussed for a variety of catalysts and followed discussion about summary and future outlook.