Selective Hydrogenation of Benzonitrile by Alumina-Supported Ir-Pd Catalysts

The kinetics of liquid-phase hydrogenation of benzonitrile have been examined alumina supported Ir, Pd and Ir-Pd catalysts. Benzonitrile disappearance TOF is 10-fold higher for Pd catalyst than it is for Ir catalyst. Benzylamine is produced preferentially over Pd, whereas dibenzylamine is produced principally over Ir. Non-monotonic activity and selectivity relationships with bimetallic composition are obtained.