γ-Valerolactone (GVL) is an important intermediate for the preparation of fuels and value-added chemicals. In my research, the method of producing GVL from furfural was studied, and new catalysts for molecular sieve loading of non-precious metals were prepared. Finally, the reaction pathway was explored.
This experiment explores the preparation of GVL in one step using furfural. Alcohol that does not produce high hydrogen pressure replaces H2 and three non-noble metals that promote dehydrogenation or their oxides are combined with molecular sieves. A synergistic effect of non-noble metals and molecular sieves is used to prepare novel catalysts, improve catalytic efficiency, and promote the yield of GVL. This way avoids the disadvantages of high pressure with H2, precious metals as a catalyst and multiple steps conversion in conventional preparation methods. For the first time, the catalyst prepared by ZSM-5-25 and ZSM-5-50 supported CuO, Ru/RuO, Zr was applied to the reaction of furfural to prepare GVL. The hydrogen donor was selected from isopropanol. After the test, the highest conversion of furfural was 78% under the action of ZSM-5-CuO catalyst, and the maximum yield of GVL was 55%.
It was analyzed that CuO could complete the transfer hydrogenation reaction of furfural to sterol, and isopropanol was used as the hydrogen source, the synergistic effect of CuO and ZSM-5 promotes the subsequent reaction.