(132f) Etherification of 2-Methyl-Pentanal On Supported Palladium

Dialkyl ethers can be selectively produced from etherification of 2-methyl-pentanal and other oxygenates on supported Pd catalysts. Selectivities of 90% 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. Cross etherification of n-butanol and 2-methyl-pentanal has been studied to quantify the rates of etherification of self-condensation and cross condensation from alcohol plus aldehyde. It was found that cross etherification of alcohol and aldehyde has a much higher rate compared to etherification of alcohol or aldehyde feed alone.