C–O bond hydrogenolysis vs. CC group hydrogenation of furfuryl alcohol: towards sustainable synthesis of 1,2-pentanediol

Abstract

The conversion of furfuryl alcohol into 1,2-pentanediol and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol by aqueous phase hydrogenolysis using highly active supported ruthenium catalysts is a promising sustainable route substituting for petro-based production processes. An on-line analysis of the reaction, performed by ATR-IR spectroscopy, is necessary to show the formation of solid deposits during the reaction.