Liquid-phase stereoselective thymol hydrogenation over supported nickel catalysts

The stereoselective hydrogenation of thymol was studied in liquid phase over several nickel catalysts, modified by coimpregnation of inorganic compounds containing chlorine. The total activity of all catalysts studied was decreased and was on the same order of magnitude, indicating that chlorine even after reduction remains on the surface and is responsible for the poisoning effects. Such blocking of accessible sites results in similar reaction rates for the catalysts studied. Selectivity and stereoselectivity to menthols and menthones changed significantly. The modifiers could influence the rate of keto-enol transformations, which is thought to be the key selectivity and stereoselectivity governing step.