| 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. |
