Kinetic study on the hydrogenation of dimethyl succinate to γ-butyrolactone.

The hydrogenation of dimethyl succinate (DMS) to γ-butyrolactone (GBL) is crucial in producing high-value chemicals for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and battery electrolytes. This study utilized a self-developed copper-based catalyst and a micro-fixed bed reactor to systematically investigate the effects of temperature, pressure, and the hydrogen-to-ester ratio on reaction performance. An intrinsic kinetic model was developed based on experimental data, with reaction rate constants and activation energies determined through standard regression techniques. The model correlated well with observed data, providing insights into reaction kinetics. Validation against experimental data indicated fair agreement across various conditions. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the model's robustness, making it useful for process optimization. This kinetic analysis offers insights to enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of industrial GBL production, aiming to improve overall process yield and efficiency.