Sugar hydrogenation catalyzed by selective molybdenum cocatalysts for the formation of glycols

摘要

A hydrogenation process for direct conversion of a sugar supply comprising high fructose feedstock, high sucrose feedstock or combinations thereof to a mixed lower polyol product comprising both propylene glycol and ethylene glycol is disclosed.This process provides propylene glycol selectivity greater than ethylene glycol selectivity in the mixed lower polyol product so that propylene glycol is present in greater than ethylene glycol.The sugar supply and the hydrogen source are supplied to the reaction vessel and reacted in the presence of a hydrocracking catalyst comprising molybdenum (MO) and ruthenium (RU).