Progress in Processes and Catalysts for Dehydrogenation of Cyclohexanol to Cyclohexanone

The dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone is a crucial industrial process in the production of caprolactam and adipic acid, both of which serve as important precursors in nylon textiles. This endothermic reaction is constrained by thermodynamic equilibrium and involves a complex reaction network, leading to a heightened focus on catalysts and process design. Copper-based catalysts have been extensively studied and exhibit exceptional low-temperature catalytic performance in cyclohexanol dehydrogenation, with some being commercially used in the industry. This paper specifically concentrates on research advancement concerning active species, reaction mechanisms, factors influencing product selectivity, and the deactivation behaviors of copper-based catalysts. Moreover, a brief introduction to the new processes that break thermodynamic equilibrium via reaction coupling and their corresponding catalysts is summarized here as well. These reviews may offer guidance and potential avenues for further investigations into catalysts and processes for cyclohexanol dehydrogenation.

Automated summary

The dehydrogenation of cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone is an important step in the production of nylon fibers, and copper-based catalysts have shown exceptional low-temperature catalytic performance in this process. This paper reviews the research advances in active species, reaction mechanisms, factors affecting product selectivity, and deactivation behaviors of copper-based catalysts. It also provides a brief introduction to new processes and catalysts that break thermodynamic equilibrium via reaction coupling. These reviews can guide further investigations into catalysts and processes for cyclohexanol dehydrogenation.