An infrared spectroscopic examination of a rhenium oxide/alumina olefin metathesis catalyst.

Abstract

Alumina and rhenium oxide supported on alumina (Re/Al) were subjected to various treatments and examined using infrared spectroscopy. Lewis acid sites were somewhat stronger on the Re/Al than on alumina. Bronsted acid sites were not detected on either alumina or Re/Al. The rhenium-oxygen stretching vibrational frequency was not appreciably altered by calcination or reduction. Olefin metathesis activity would appear to be more dependent on the properties of the support than on the state of the rhenium.