Dehydration of 2, 3-Butanediol to 1, 3-Butadiene over Alumina

The direct catalytic conversion of 2,3-butanediol to butadiene was studied over two commercial forms of alumina. Results were remarkably different on the two forms. It was concluded, based on experimental and DFT calculations, that the presence of sodium impurities inhibited butadiene production.