Highly selective low-temperature hydrogenation of furfuryl alcohol to tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol catalysed by hectorite-supported ruthenium nanoparticles

Metallic ruthenium nanoparticles intercalated in hectorite (particle size-4 nm) were found to catalyse the hydrogenation of furfuryl acohol to give tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol in methanolic solution under mild conditions. The best results were obtained at 40 degrees C under a hydrogen pressure of 20 bar (conversion 100%, selectivity >99%). After a total turnover number of 1423, the hectorite supported ruthenium nanoparticles are deactivated but can be recycled and regenerated. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.