An in situ study of methyl benzoate and benzoic acid reduction on yttrium oxide by infrared spectroscopic flow reactor

The reduction of methyl benzoate and benzoic acid on a Y2O3 catalyst under hydrogen has been examined by using an infrared spectroscopic flow reactor at 250–450 °C. The formation and reduction of surface benzoate was monitored by infrared spectroscopy. Surface methoxide was also observed during the methyl benzoate reaction. The experimental evidence indicates that the benzoic acid and benzoate esters are reduced to benzaldehyde via the surface benzoate. The hydrogen is transferred from the gas phase to the final product by surface hydroxyl groups.