Cyclodehydration of 1,4-butanediol to tetrahydrofuran catalyzed by supported silicotungstic acid

Acid strength, acid density, and the combination ability between silicotungstic acid and support were investigated when supported silicotungstic acid was used as a catalyst for cyclodehydration of 1,4-butanediol to tetrahydrofuran. The interaction between heteropoly acid and support influenced the catalytic activity. TiO2-supported silicotungstic acid catalyst exhibited high activity when compared to the other catalysts supported by kaolin, kieselguhr, and activated charcoal.