Promoting effect of Mo on the hydrogenolysis of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol to 1,5-pentanediol over Rh/SiO2

Addition of Mo to Rh/SiO2 promoted the hydrogenolysis of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol to 1,5-pentanediol drastically. Addition of Re and W to Rh/SiO2 was also effective, but the promoting effect of Mo was more remarkable in terms of catalyst stability and high activity even at low reactant concentrations. Characterization of Rh–MoOx/SiO2 suggests that a partially reduced Mo species is attached to the surface of Rh metal particles. The synergy between the MoOx and the Rh metal surface results in a high chemoselectivity and activity in the hydrogenolysis of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol.

Graphical abstractSelective hydrogenolysis of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol to 1,5-pentanediol was catalyzed by Rh–MoOx/SiO2 catalysts. Biomass-derived tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol is selectively converted to 1,5-pentanediol by Rh–MoOx/SiO2-catalyzed hydrogenolysis. The catalysts can be reused without loss of activity and selectivity.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (70 K)Download as PowerPoint slide