hydrogenation catalysts prepared from polyoxometalate precursors and process for using them to produce ethanol while minimizing diethyl ether formation

摘要

The present invention relates to hydrogenation catalysts prepared from polyoxometalate precursors. The polyoxometalate precursors introduce a support modifier to the catalyst. The catalysts are used for hydrogenating alkanoic acids and/or esters thereof to alcohols with relatively low ether formation, preferably with conversion of the ester coproduct. The catalyst may also comprise one or more active metals.