SiO2-supported BPO4 catalysts have been prepared via a convenient one-pot process, characterized by XRD, N2 adsorption/desorption, FTIR, and NH3-TPD and investigated in the production of salicylonitrile using methyl salicylate and ammonia as the raw material in a vapor-phase fixed bed process. The results indicated that supporting BPO4 in SiO2 could increase the surface area and the amount of the moderate-to-strong acidic sites on surface, which markedly improved the catalytic performance. The effects of various reaction conditions, the effects of compositions on the catalytic activity, and the stability of the process have been studied in detail. Under the optimized conditions, an excellent 91.6% yield of salicylonitrile could be obtained, and good stability for the process was observed. The present study would provide foundation for industrial production of salicylonitrile.
Graphic abstract
SiO2-supported BPO4 catalysts have been prepared via a convenient one-pot process, providing an excellent 91.6% yield of salicylonitrile using methyl salicylate and ammonia as the raw material in a vapor-phase fixed bed process. The result indicated that supporting BPO4 in SiO2 could increase the surface area and the amount of the moderate-to-strong acidic sites on surface, which markedly improved the catalytic performance.