Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation/Hydrogenolysis for Reductive Upgrading of Furfural and 5‐(Hydroxymethyl)furfural. Issue 1 (13th November 2013) - Scholz, David
Abstract The sequential transfer hydrogenation/hydrogenolysis of furfural and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural to 2‐methylfuran and 2, 5‐dimethylfuran was studied over in situ reduced, Fe2O3‐supported Cu, Ni, and Pd catalysts, with 2‐propanol as hydrogen donor. The remarkable activity of Pd/Fe2O3 in both transfer hydrogenation/hydrogenolysis is attributed to a strong metal–support interaction. Selectivity towards hydrogenation, hydrogenolysis, decarbonylation, and ring‐hydrogenation products is shown to strongly depend on the Pd loading. A significant enhancement in yield to 62 %, of 2‐methylfuran and 2‐methyltetrahydrofuran was observed under continuous flow conditions.