摘要:
An improved catalyst suitable for use in the production of an unsaturated carboxylic acid by the catalytic vapor phase oxidation of an unsaturated aldehyde is provided. In this catalyst, a heat-resistant inorganic substance, such as alumina, silica-alumina and silicon carbide, having a particle diameter of 3 through 10mm, an apparent porosity of 35 through 60%. a water absorption of 20 through 50%, an average pore diameter of not less than 40 microns, a specific surface area of not more than 2 m 2 /g and a bulk specific gravity of 1.5 through 2.0 is used for supporting a composition containing molybdenum, phosphorous, vanadium and the alkali metals. The use of the above-mentioned carrier results in the advantages that the unsaturated carboxylic acid, such as methacrylic acid, can be selectively produced from the unsaturated aldehyde at a high yield and that the mechanical strength of the catalyst is remarkably improved.