Process for production of adipic acid from 1,6-hexanediol

Abstract

Processes are disclosed for the conversion of 1,6-hexanediol to adipic acid employing a chemocatalytic reaction in which 1,6-hexanediol is reacted with oxygen in the presence of particular heterogeneous catalysts including at least one of platinum or gold. The metals are preferably provided on a support selected from the group of titania, stabilized titania, zirconia, stabilized zirconia, silica or mixtures thereof, most preferably zirconia stabilized with tungsten. The reaction with oxygen is carried out at a temperature from about 100° C. to about 300° C. and at a partial pressure of oxygen from about 50 psig to about 2000 psig.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A catalyst comprising at least one metal selected from the group consisting of gold and platinum, wherein the at least one metal is on a support, wherein at least the outer surfaces of the support are zirconia or stabilized zirconia, wherein the surface area of the support is equal to or less than about 100 m 2 /g and the average pore diameter is at least about 10 nm, and wherein the zirconia or stabilized zirconia comprises tungsten in an amount ranging from about 1 wt % to about 15 wt % of the total weight of the support. 
     
     
         21 . The catalyst of  claim 20 , wherein the outer surfaces consist essentially of stabilized zirconia. 
     
     
         22 . The catalyst of  claim 20 , wherein the catalyst consists essentially of platinum on such support. 
     
     
         23 . The catalyst of  claim 20 , wherein the catalyst consists essentially of platinum and gold on such support. 
     
     
         24 . The catalyst of  claim 20 , wherein the catalyst further comprises palladium. 
     
     
         25 . The catalyst of  claim 20 , wherein the at least one metal is present, in sum, in an amount up to about 4 wt % of the total weight of the catalyst.