Catalytic conversion of furfural-acetone condensation products into bio-derived C8 linear alcohols over Ni-Cu/Al-SBA-15

The production of C-8 linear diols from a furfural-acetone condensation product has been achieved for the first time using a non-noble metal based catalyst. In particular, SBA-15 supported Ni-Cu bimetallic catalyst showed the best hydrogenating activity reaching an outstanding yield (ca. 63%) of the fully saturated product. The incorporation of acidity by the preparation of Ni-Cu/Al-SBA-15 resulted in the promotion of ring-opening steps, which led to a remarkable yield of C-8 linear diols (28%). These results establish a competitive catalytic route for the production of bio-based diols over cost-efficient 3d transition metal-based catalysts.