High selective production of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol: Catalytic hydrogenation of furfural and furfuryl alcohol

Abstract Tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol could be obtained by catalytic hydrogenation of either furfural or furfuryl alcohol using Pd‐, Ru‐, Rh‐ and Ni‐supported catalysts as well as their mixtures with a Cu‐supported catalyst. In the case of furfural hydrogenation, the best results (97 % yield, 100 % conversion, 98 % selectivity) were obtained in the presence of Ni and Cu. However, this catalytic mixture could not be recycled. In the case of furfuryl alcohol hydrogenation, Ni‐supported catalysts were the most active. Nickel‐onsilica‐alumina catalyst containing 59 % of metal lead to the best results (98–99 % yield, selectivity and conversion >99 %). Moreover, it could be recycled. Hydrogenation of furfuryl alcohol in the presence of this catalyst was the best procedure for the production of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol.