A new strategy for the efficient synthesis of 2-methylfuran and gamma-butyrolactone

A novel process involving the coupling of the hydrogenation of furfural and the dehydrogenation of 1,4-butanediol has been studied in the vapor phase for the synthesis of 2-methylfuran (2-MF) and gamma-butyrolactone (gamma-BL) over the same Cu-based catalyst. It was found that hydrogen and heat energy are utilized with high efficiency in this process.