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Selective Conversion of Glycerol to Propylene Glycol Over Fixed Bed Raney® Cu Catalysts

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Abstract

Net propylene glycol (1,2 propanediol) yields of up to 94% at 100% glycerol conversion have been achieved over a fixed bed Raney® Cu catalyst in trickle bed mode, at relatively low total pressure, 14 bar (200 psig), and minimal feedstock dilution (20 wt% water). The main identified byproducts are ethylene glycol and ethanol (each <2%), with methanol and 1,3 diol both <1%. The other key operating parameters for high yields are a narrow optimum in temperature (near 205 °C), and a high H2/liquid flow ratio, about 375/0.05 by volume. The effects of chromium promotion have also been studied for effects on side reactions and rates. Our evidence points to initial dehydrogenation as the rate-limiting step in a likely three step mechanism.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. W.R. Grace and Co.-Conn, 7500 Grace Drive, Columbia, MD, 21044, USA

    Stephen R. Schmidt

  2. Center for Applied Catalysis, Seton Hall University, 400 South Orange Ave, South Orange, NJ, 07079, USA

    Setrak K. Tanielyan, Norman Marin, Gabriela Alvez & Robert L. Augustine

Authors
  1. Stephen R. Schmidt
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  2. Setrak K. Tanielyan
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  3. Norman Marin
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  4. Gabriela Alvez
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  5. Robert L. Augustine
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Stephen R. Schmidt.

Additional information

RANEY® is a trademark, registered in the United States and/or other countries, of W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.

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Schmidt, S.R., Tanielyan, S.K., Marin, N. et al. Selective Conversion of Glycerol to Propylene Glycol Over Fixed Bed Raney® Cu Catalysts. Top Catal 53, 1214–1216 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11244-010-9565-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11244-010-9565-x

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