Appeal No. 1997-0183
Application 08/206,623
choice,” there is no evidence or convincing reasons of record
to support this position. Kaiser is directed to a catalyst
for the isomerization of alpha-pinene to beta-pinene, with the
object of increasing the conversion and retaining the
specificity of the catalyst for beta-pinene formation (col. 1,
ll. 5-10 and 55-59). Neutral to basic conditions must be
maintained to suppress acidic by-product formation which
affects selectivity (col. 1, ll. 67-68; col. 2, ll. 17-24).
Kaiser teaches that the alpha-pinene isomerization process is
“acutely acid sensitive” as acidic conditions can
deactivate the catalyst and commercially prepared Group VIII
catalysts admixed with a Group IB metal on an alumina support
contain residual anions which can form acid during the
isomerization process (col. 3, ll. 4-8 and 13-26). Kaiser
further teaches that
The acidic functionality displayed by the Group
VIII catalyst admixed with Group IB metal on an
alumina support can be suppressed by subjecting the
supported catalyst and Group IB metal to a
neutralization treatment. This involves treating
the supported catalyst and Group IB metal with at
least about 0.002 weight parts per weight of alumina
of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal
neutralizing agent provided from an alkali metal or
alkaline earth metal salt or hydroxide inert to the
catalyst. (Col. 3, ll. 39-48).
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