Abstract: A series of molybdenum phosphide catalysts were prepared at initial Mo/P molar ratios ranging from 0.6 to 2.6. The catalytic activity of the catalysts for the selective hydrogenation of acetonitrile was studied. The catalysts with initial Mo/P ratios>1.0 have high selectivity for ethylamine (80%-90%), and for the catalysts with Mo/P ratios<1.0, the selectivity for diethylamine and triethylamine is more favorable (about 90%). When Mo/P ratio=1.0, the highest conversion of acetonitrile is attained.

Key words: transition metal phosphide, molybdenum, acetonitrile, selective hydrogenation, ethylamine