CATALYTIC HYDROGENATION OF FLUOROOLEFINS WITH SUPPORTED PALLADIUM CATALYSTS

A hydrogenation process is disclosed. The process involves reacting a fluoroolefin with H2 in a reaction zone in the presence of a palladium catalyst to produce a hydrofluoroalkane product, wherein the palladium catalyst comprises palladium supported on a carrier wherein the palladium concentration is from about 0.001 wt % to about 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the palladium and the carrier. Also disclosed is a palladium catalyst composition consisting essentially of palladium supported on α-Al2O3 wherein the palladium concentration is from about 0.001 wt % to about 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the palladium and the α-Al2O3. Also disclosed is a hydrogenation process comprising reacting a fluoroolefin with H2 in a reaction zone in the presence of a palladium catalyst to produce a hydrofluoroalkane product, characterized by: the palladium catalyst consisting essentially of palladium supported on α-Al2O3 wherein the palladium concentration is from about 0.001 wt % to about 0.2 wt % based on the total weight of the palladium and the α-Al2O3. Also disclosed is a hydrogenation process comprising (a) passing a mixture comprising fluoroolefin and H2 through a bed of palladium catalyst in a reaction zone wherein the palladium catalyst comprises palladium supported on a carrier; and (b) producing a hydrofluoroalkane product; characterized by: the palladium catalyst in the front of the bed having lower palladium concentration than the palladium catalyst in the back of the bed.