Synthesis of methanol by hydrogenolysis of biobased methyl formate using highly stable and active Cu-spinel catalysts in slurry and gas phase reactions

A new two-stage production route for methanol from biomass is proposed, including hydrogenolysis of methyl formate to methanol. The Cu 0.9 Al 2 O 4 spinel catalyst is shown to be highly active for this reaction and stable against corrosion by formic acid.