Abstract
Zirconium oxide is stable and has been rarely used as a material for catalyst except for a carrier. Recently, some high catalytic activities of the hydrous zirconium oxide have been found.
It catalyzes esterification, amidation, and acetalyzation. It also catalyzes a reduction of carboxylic acids to aldehydes with hydrogen gas. Ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, esters, and nitriles are readily reduced to the corresponding alcohols with 2-propanol. It is worthy of remark because it implies an extension of the so-called Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley reduction. The surface acidity of the oxide is weak and the reaction is applicable to acid-sensitive compounds.
