Effect of support properties on selective butanediols production from erythritol using Ir/ReOx catalysts

VIRGILIO, EMANUEL MARTÍN; PADRÓ, CRISTINA L.; SAD, MARÍA EUGENIA

CHEMCATCHEM

WILEY-V C H VERLAG GMBH

Año: 2021 vol. 13 p. 1 - 19

1867-3880

This study reports the selective obtaining of butanediols (BDO), widely used in thepolymer and synthetic rubber industry, by C-O hydrogenolysis of erythritol. The effectof the support on catalytic activity and selectivity to BDO was exhaustively studiedusing Ir/ReO x catalysts supported on SiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , activated carbon, CeO 2, TiO 2 and ZrO 2 . The catalysts were thoroughly characterized and it was foundthat the physicochemical, redox and acidic properties of the supports notablyinfluenced the metal dispersion, reducibility of the species and particle sizes. The mostactive and selective catalyst was Ir/ReO x /TiO 2 (maximum BDO yield of 53%),favoring C-O hydrogenolysis and minimizing C-C scissions and dehydration reactions.This superior performance was attributed to the formation of small clusters with anintimate contact between Ir and partially oxidized Re species (mainly Re +IV ) thatfavors the appropriate adsorption of erythritol on ReO 2 and the further interactionwith H 2 adsorbed on Ir 0 to render BDO.