Process and catalyst for the preparation of acetylpyridines

Abstract

A process for the production of acetylpyridines of the formula (1): by reacting a pyridinecarboxylic ester of the formula (II): wherein R 1 is C 1-6 -alkyl, with acetic acid in the gas phase in the presence of a catalyst. The active material of the catalyst is titanium dioxide and at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal oxide, and it is supported on an alumina-silica support having an apparent porosity of at least 50 percent. The process has the advantage of producing only small amounts of by-products (e.g., pyidine).

1 - 8 . (canceled)  
   
   
       9 . A catalyst prepared by a process comprising: 
 (i) impregnating an alumina-silica support having an apparent porosity of at least 50 percent with a solution of titanium tetrachloride in aqueous hydrochloric acid to obtain a first catalyst precursor;    (ii) drying the first catalyst precursor;    (iii) calcining the dried first catalyst precursor;    (iv) impregnating the calcined first catalyst precursor with a solution or suspension of a hydroxide and/or oxide of an alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal to obtain a second catalyst precursor;    (v) drying the second catalyst precursor; and    (vi) calcining the dried second catalyst precursor.    
   
   
       10 . The catalyst of  claim 9 , wherein the weight ratio of alumina to silica in the support is between 70:30 and 90:10.  
   
   
       11 . The catalyst of  claim 10 , wherein the apparent porosity of the catalyst support is between 60 and 70 percent.  
   
   
       12 . The catalyst of  claim 11 , wherein the titanium dioxide content is 5 to 20 wt. percent, based on the weight of the support.  
   
   
       13 . (canceled)  
   
   
       14 . The catalyst of  claim 9  wherein the weight ratio of alumina to silica in the support is between 75:25 and 85:15.  
   
   
       15 . The catalyst of  claim 9 , wherein the apparent porosity of the catalyst support is between 60 and 70 percent.  
   
   
       16 . The catalyst of  claim 9 , wherein the titanium dioxide content is 5 to 20 wt. percent, based on the weight of the support.