Synthesis of 1,5‐Pentanediol by Hydrogenolysis of Furfuryl Alcohol over Ni–Y2O3 Composite Catalyst

Abstract The addition of Y2O3 into Ni formed a composite catalyst that selectively produced 1,5‐pentanediol rather than 1,2‐pentanediol in the hydrogenolysis of furfuryl alcohol at 2.0 MPa H2 and 423 K. Clearly, 1,5‐pentanediol was produced over the Ni0–Y2O3 boundary. This report highlights the properties of Ni–Y2O3, catalytic performance, and reaction route in the synthesis of 1,5‐pentanediol from furfuryl alcohol.