PNNL

Abstract

Catalytic deoxygenation of 1,2-propanediol has been studied as a model the for deoxygenation of polyols and other biomass-derived compounds. Deoxygenation of 1,2-propanediol (1.0 M in sulfolane) catalyzed by {[Cp*Ru(CO)2]2(µ-H)}+OTf – (0.5 mol %) at 110 °C under H2 (750 psi) in the presence of HOTf (60 mM) gives n-propanol (54 %) as the major product, indicating a high selectivity for deoxygenation of the internal OH over the terminal OH of the diol. Di-n propyl ether forms through condensation of n-propanol with itself, and propylene glycol propyl ether arises from condensation of n-propanol with the starting material diol, giving a total of up to 80 % yield for deoxygenation / hydrogenation products under these conditions. The deoxygenation of 1,2-propanediol is strongly influenced by the concentration of acid, giving faster rates and proceeding to higher conversions as the concentration of HOTf is increased. There is little or no dependence of the rate on the pressure of H2. Propionaldehyde was observed as an intermediate, being formed through acid-catalyzed dehydration of 1,2-propanediol. This aldehyde is hydrogenated to n-propanol through an ionic pathway involving protonation of the aldehyde, followed by hydride transfer from the neutral hydride, Cp*Ru(CO)2H. The proposed mechanism for the deoxygenation/hydrogenation reaction involves formation of a highly acidic dihydrogen complex, [Cp*Ru(CO)2(?2-H2)]+OTf-. Regeneration of the dihydrogen complex occurs through reaction of Cp*Ru(CO)2OTf with H2. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is operated by Battelle for the US Department of Energy.