Biobased Glycols – Towards the Use of Solid Bases in the Hydrogenolysis of Sorbitol

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, mixed metal oxides of alkaline earth metals and Ti or Zr were synthesized and investigated as solid bases in the hydrogenolysis of sorbitol in combination with Ru/C. Desired products of this reaction are glycols, which are today produced from fossil feedstock and find application as monomers or anti‐freezes. The most promising mixed metal oxide CaZr−O possesses CaO, Ca(OH)2, perovskite and ZrO2 phases. CaO and Ca(OH)2 leach out over the reaction making the solid a depot for the homogeneous base. Additionally, catalytic activity also results from a synergistic effect of the solid perovskite and ZrO2 phases increasing the sum of liquid phase products. After an optimization of the process parameters, a maximum selectivity to glycols of 50 % was achieved at 74 % conversion within 4 h at 220 °C.