Active species of copper chromite catalyst in C-O hydrogenolysis of 5-methylfurfuryl alcohol

► CuCr2O4·CuO materials were characterized and active sites quantified by multiple bulk and surface sensitive techniques. ► Specific activity of CuCr2O4·CuO was found to be dependent on reduction temperature of the catalyst prior to the C-O hydrogenolysis reaction. ► Correlation between Cu0 and specific activity suggested Cu0 was involved in the rate-limiting step of the catalytic cycle.