Effect of Calcination and Reduction Conditions on Co/Al ₂ O ₃ Catalyst Properties in Selective Hydrogenation of <i>p</i> -Iodonitrobenzene

For the first time, Co/Al2O3 catalysts were studied in selective hydrogenation of p-iodonitrobenzene in a continuous flow reactor. The focus was on the effect of temperature treatment conditions on the catalytic properties of the catalysts. A series of highly loaded cobalt catalysts (20% Co/Al2O3) were prepared via a melt infiltration method in one stage with subsequent calcination (250–450 °C) and reduction (400–600 °C during 0–6 h). According to the results of physicochemical studies of the samples, the catalytic activity of catalysts differs due to the difference in the amount of nitrate residues, strength of Co interaction with the support, and degree of Co reduction. The highest conversion of p-iodonitrobenzene (96%) and selectivity to p-iodoaniline (97%) were achieved over the Co/Al2O3 catalyst calcined at 400 °C and reduced at 500 °C.