Highly selective low-temperature hydrogenation of furfuryl alcohol to tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol catalysed by hectorite-supported ruthenium nanoparticles

Metallic ruthenium nanoparticles intercalated in hectorite (particle size ~ 4 nm) were found to catalyse the hydrogenation of furfuryl acohol to give tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol in methanolic solution under mild conditions. The best results were obtained at 40 °C under a hydrogen pressure of 20 bar (conversion 100%, selectivity > 99%). After a total turnover number of 1423, the hectorite supported ruthenium nanoparticles are deactivated but can be recycled and regenerated.

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► Ruthenium nanoparticles intercalated in hectorite are found to efficiently catalyze the hydrogenation of furfuryl alcohol at low temperatures.
► The best results were obtained at 40 °C under a hydrogen pressure of 20 bar (conversion 100%, selectivity > 99%, TON = 1423).
► Hectorite-supported ruthenium nanoparticles can be recycled and regenerated.