Synthesis of homoallyl alcohol from 1,4-butanediol over ZrO2 catalyst

Catalytic dehydration of 1,4-butanediol was investigated over ZrO2 with monoclinic crystal phase at temperatures of 275-425 °C. In the reaction, 3-buten-1-ol was effectively produced together with tetrahydrofuran (THF) over ZrO2 at 300-375 °C. 3-Buten-1-ol and THF were produced competitively, and the yield of 3-buten-1-ol increased with increasing the contact time. Formation of by-products such as 2-buten-1-ol, 2-butenal, and 1-butanol was suppressed over ZrO2 at 325 °C.