Hydrogenation of benzene to cyclohexene over polymer-supported ruthenium catalysts

Partial liquid-phase hydrogenation of benzene to cyclohexene over ruthenium catalysts supported on charcoal and anionic cross-linked polymers is described. The influence of the polarity of polymeric supports, nature of the solvent and the presence of zinc additives on the performance of the catalyst in a glass-lined reactor at 100-110 degrees C and a pressure of 1.5 MPa have been studied. It has been found that at 42-47% conversion of benzene, the selectivity to cyclohexene, observed in water with Ru catalysts supported on a strongly hydrophilic microporous resin, is higher than that displayed by Ru supported on charcoal. The effect of water on the performance of the catalyst is probably a result of formation of a suitable environment around Ru particles acid of a good accessibility of metal particles dispersed within the hydrophilic polymer support.