Catalytic Hydrogenation of Maleic Anhydride Derivatives

Catalytic hydrogenation of maleic anhydride derivatives represents a cornerstone in the production of value-added chemicals. By selectively adding hydrogen across unsaturated bonds, maleic anhydride can be transformed into intermediates such as succinic anhydride, γ-butyrolactone and other cyclic lactones. The process relies on heterogeneous catalysts—typically transition metals supported on oxides—that promote hydrogen activation and substrate adsorption. Key parameters include metal dispersion, support morphology, metal–support interaction and the presence of oxygen vacancies, all of which govern activity, selectivity and long-term stability. Advances in nanostructured supports and fine tuning of particle size have enabled more efficient pathways under milder conditions, reducing energy input and improving product yields. Ongoing research extends applications to aqueous and continuous flow systems, broadening industrial relevance for polymers, solvents and fine chemicals.

Research from Nature Portfolio

No recent Nature Portfolio content available.

Catalytic Hydrogenation of Maleic Anhydride Derivatives publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in catalytic hydrogenation of maleic anhydride derivatives across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Catalyst support: A solid material, often an oxide, that disperses and stabilises active metal species.

Oxygen vacancy: A defect site in an oxide lattice where an oxygen atom is missing, enhancing metal–support interactions and catalytic activity.

Metal–support interaction: Electronic and structural interplay between metal nanoparticles and their support, affecting adsorption and reaction kinetics.

Maleic anhydride: A cyclic dicarboxylic acid derivative serving as a versatile platform molecule in hydrogenation chemistry.

Succinic anhydride: A hydrogenation product of maleic anhydride used as a precursor to polymers, plasticisers and resins.

γ-Butyrolactone: A cyclic ester obtained via deep hydrogenation of maleic anhydride, employed as a solvent and chemical intermediate.

References

1. Crystal-Plane and Shape Influences of Nanoscale CeO2 on the Activity of Ni/CeO2 Catalysts for Maleic Anhydride Hydrogenation. Nanomaterials (2022).
2. Tuning Particle Sizes and Active Sites of Ni/CeO2 Catalysts and Their Influence on Maleic Anhydride Hydrogenation. Nanomaterials (2022).
3. Aqueous phase hydrogenation of maleic acid to succinic acid mediated by formic acid: the robustness of the Pd/C catalytic system. Sustainable Energy & Fuels (2022).