Gas phase hydrogenolysis of methyl difluoroacetate to 1,1-difluoroethanol over Ru/C catalysts

Ru/C catalysts were prepared by an impregnation method and their catalytic properties were tested for hydrogenolysis methyl difluoroacetate to difluoroethanol. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), CO chemisorption and H2 temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR). The effects of reaction temperature, Ru content and reduction temperature of the Ru/C catalysts on the reaction were investigated. It was found that with increasing Ru contents in the Ru/C catalysts, the methyl difluoroacetate conversion, the selectivity to difluoroethanol and the TOF value first increased and then decreased. A 3Ru/C catalyst reduced at 400 °C exhibited the highest selectivity to difluoroethanol (93.5%) and the highest activity (39.5%). It was also found that the Ru/C catalyst showed a good stability of catalytic hydrogenolysis of methyl difluoroacetate within 100 h.

A process and catalyst for synthesis of difluoroethanol are shown in this study.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► 240 °C was the optimum reaction temperature for hydrogenolysis methyl difluoroacetate to difluoroethanol.
► 3Ru/C catalyst reduced at 400 °C exhibited the highest activity and selectivity to difluoroethanol.
► Ru/C catalyst showed a good reaction stability within 100 h.