Hydrogenation of Cinnamaldehyde over Platinum Catalysts. Influence of addition of metal chlorides"

The effect of addition of metal chlorides to platinum-supported catalysts has been studied in the hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde in the liquid phase. FeCl3, SnCl4 and GeCl4 were found to be the most effective promoters for the selective synthesis of cinnamyl alcohol. The rate of reaction increased by addition of small amounts of metal chlorides and then decreased at higher contents. Selectivity to cinnamyl alcohol was slightly dependent on the concentration of the additives and on the level of conversion. A reaction mechanism for the hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde over promoted platinum is suggested.