Methylisobutyl Ketone by Direct Conversion of Acetone and Hydrogen

Tokuyama Soda has recently developed a new process for manufacturing methylisobutyl ketone. This process is based on one-step conversion of acetone and hydrogen in vapor and liquid phases in a trickle reactor using a specially prepared bifunctional catalyst. The catalyst essentially comprises zirconium phosphate containing a small amount of finely and uniformly dispersed palladium metal. High catalytic activity and durability have been confirmed in continuous operations using a pilot plant having a capacity of 300kg a day. Besides the excellent durability of the catalyst, high productivity and simpleness of Tokuyama MIBK Process make it far more economical than the conventional process.