Enhanced selectivity in acetylene hydrogenation by ligand modified Pd/TiO2 catalysts

Modification of Pd/TiO2 catalyst by adsorption of triphenylphosphine and phenyl sulfide leads to markedly enhanced selectivity for acetylene hydrogenation in the presence of ethylene and excess hydrogen. Similar selectivities were maintained in cases where ligand decomposition took place and sulfur was retained on the catalyst surface.