CATALYST DEACTIVATION IN THE HYDROLYSIS OF ACRYLONITRILE TO ACRYLAMIDE OVER RANEY COPPER

Two possible processes for deactivation in the catalytic hydrolysis of acrytonitriie over Raney copper have been examined at temperatures in the range 40 to 100°C. The first of these is the diffusion limited oxidation of the catalyst surface which produces oxides of copper. The other, more dominant, effect is thought to result from fouling of the catalyst pores by thermally polymerized acrylamide. This mechanism of catalyst poisoning which is independent of both reactant and product concentrations is evidenced by changes in specific surface areas and pore sizes of the catalyst used.