Structure and catalytic properties of Co/ porcelain in the synthesis of 2,3-dihydrofuran

The cyclodehydration of 1,4-butanediol over cobalt catalysts in the liquid phase is used for the production of 2,3-dihydrofuran. The catalyst preparation parameters considered were the metal loading, precipitation pH and reduction temperature of cobalt salt. It was found that the use of Co(NO3)2 together with Na2CO3 in a 1:1 ratio yielded better catalysts. Under the conditions used in this study the optimum cobalt loading for the selective production of 2,3-dihydrofuran is in the range 15–50 wt%. The optimum reduction temperature of Co/porcelain catalyst depends on cobalt loading. The optimum reduction temperatures for 15 and 50 wt% cobalt loading are 773 and 723 K (reduction time 20 min), respectively. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry