Furfuryl alcohol prodn. from furfurol - by liq. phase hydrogenation over copper chromite catalyst of controlled activity

摘要

Prodn. of furfuryl alcohol (I) comprises liq. phase hydrogenation of furfural (II) with H2 (contg. gas) at 150-210 degrees C and 100 atmos. excess over a suspended Cu chromite catalyst. The catalyst has been first deactivated and then reactivated to an optimum level of activity. Pref. the catalyst is first deactivated by using it to hydrogenate a cpd. (e.g. (II) or benzoaldehyde) which (or its reaction prods.) undergoes polymerisation or condensation reactions. It is then sepd., slurried with water at 50 degrees C, dried at 105 degrees C and ground. Provides improved selectivity for (I) and longer catalyst lifetime.