Patents
An improved process for the preparation of 2-phenyl ethanol by catalytic hydrogenation of styrene oxide using a catalyst consisting of Pd(II) on basic inorganic support is investigated. The invention comprises the development of a new Pd-based catalyst having various advantages in the selective preparation of 2-Phenylethanol. The method yields 2-phenyl ethanol in 98% selectivity at the total conversion of styrene oxide under optimised conditions. The process represents an environment-friendly alternative to conventionally used methods in industry and eliminates the reduction step for catalyst preparation. In the invention, the active catalyst is generated in situ during the hydrogenation of styrene oxide. In addition, Pd(II) supported catalysts do not catch fire (non-pyrophoric), can be stored under ambient conditions and produce very less or no dust which makes them suitable for industrial application.