Pivotal role of H2 in the isomerisation of isosorbide over a Ru/C catalyst

Isosorbide isomerisation is a known reaction that can proceed over Ru and Ni-based heterogeneous catalysts. As a rule, an exogenous H-2 pressure (40-100 bar) is required, even though H-2 does not participate stoichiometrically in the reaction. By marrying experiments with DFT computations, we ascribe the role of H-2 in isosorbide isomerisation to a coverage effect on the catalyst surface. We demonstrate the possibility of conducting the reaction at a low H-2 pressure either in the presence of an inert gas to increase H-2 solubility in an underlying solvent or using 2-propanol as a hydrogen donor. This might benefit the economy and safety of a potential industrial process.

Automated summary

By combining experiments with DFT computations, it is possible to reduce the required H-2 pressure for isosorbide isomerisation, which can benefit the economy and safety of a potential industrial process.