Catalytic myrtenol amination over gold, supported on alumina doped with ceria and zirconia

Abstract In the current work gold catalysts supported on both commercial oxides and oxides synthesized by the sol-gel method were used for the one-pot alcohol amination of myrtenol. In general, utilization of metal oxides synthesized by the sol-gel method as the gold catalyst support enhanced the knowledge regarding key parameters determining catalytic behavior. Synthesized alumina was characterized by stronger acid sites favoring primary amine accumulation on the catalyst surface, as compared to the commercial oxide. Utilization of mixed metal oxides synthesized by the sol-gel method resulted in the non-additive behavior of different oxides enhancing the catalytic activity. Introduction of ceria into alumina modified the support basicity resulting in more efficient alcohol activation.