Preparation of 2‐Methylfuran by Hydrodeoxygenation of Furfural Over Cu3P Catalysts

Abstract A series of transition metal (Ni, Cu, and Co) phosphides were prepared by temperature programmed reduction method. The effect of the metal species and the initial P/Cu molar ratios on the catalytic activity of furfural hydrodeoxygenation was investigated, and the reaction conditions were optimized. Complete conversion of furfural was achieved under conditions of 220 °C and 15 bar for 4 h over Ni 2 P, CoP, or Cu 3 P catalysts. Notably, a selectivity of 95% of 2‐methylfuran was attained when the Cu 3 P‐3 was employed as a catalyst. The experimental results showed that a suitable P/Cu molar ratio could promote the conversion of the intermediate furfuryl alcohol to 2‐methylfuran while avoiding the generation of overhydrogenation products. Under the optimal reaction conditions, the Cu 3 P‐3 catalyst could be used for four times with only a slight decrease in catalytic performance.