Abstract: Egg-shelled Pd/α-Al2O3 catalysts with different active layers were prepared by impregnation. The catalytic activity for the synthesis of dimethyl oxalate from CO and methyl nitrite was investigated. The catalyst pellets were characterized by polarized optical microscopy. For obtaining high methyl nitrite conversion and dimethyl oxalate yield, the active component of palladium should be placed in a thin layer at the external surface of the pellet.

Key words: egg-shelled catalyst, palladium, alumina, methyl nitrite, dimethyl oxalate