Etherification of 2-methyl-pentanal on supported palladium

Abstract

Dialkyl ethers can be selectively produced from etherification of 2-methyl-pentanal and other oxygenates on supported Pd catalysts. Selectivities of 90% of ether were observed when feeding 2-methyl-pentanal and 2-methyl-pentanol at a molar ratio 1:1. Yields of up to 79 % have also been achieved. The reaction appears to be sensitive to metal particle features and molar feed ratios.