Low Pressure Hydrogenation of Nitroxylene and Nitroben-zene over Molybdenum Sulfide

Abstract

Nitrobenzene and nitroxylene, over molybdenum sulfide on active carbon, may be reduced to the corresponding amines continuously at atmospheric pressure. The catalyst gradually loses activity by becoming coated with tarry materials formed by condensation of the amine with the nitro compound. The hydrogenation of nitrohenzene is improved by raising the pressure to 400-500 pounds per square inch gage. The optimum temperature is above 300" C. and a large excess of hydrogen is desirable. Under these conditions space rates up to 1.5