Single-step catalytic conversion of furfural to 2-pentanol over bimetallic Co-Cu catalysts

The conversion of biomass derived furfural to 2-pentanol, a useful organic solvent and precursor for various types of fuels, was demonstrated with approximate to 71.1% yield in a single step over a Co-Cu/Al2O3 catalyst at 240 degrees C and 45 bar H-2 pressure. The catalyst demonstrated sustained activity and selectivity for four subsequent recycles without regeneration. Co was proposed as the primary active site that enabled hydrodeoxygenation of furfural to produce methyl furan followed by ring opening, while Cu mitigated product degradation that occurred on pure Cu catalysts.