| abstract |
A novel hydrogenation catalyst, especially useful for the catalytic hydrogenation of an anthraquinone working compound in the process for producing hydrogen peroxide, is described containing at least 0.05 percent by weight of metallic palladium dispersed on alumina supporting spheres, wherein the major crystalline structure of the alumina spheres is in the form of delta-alumina, theta-alumina, or mixtures of delta- and thetaaluminas and is substantially free of alpha-alumina, gammaalumina or alpha-alumina monohydrate, wherein the alumina spheres have substantially no pores larger than about 0.06 micron, a BET surface area of over 20 m.2/gm., and wherein the palladium metal penetration into the pores of the supporting alumina surface is no more than about 40 or 50 microns. |