Hydroxymethylfurfural reduction methods and methods of producing furandimethanol

US7994347B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Battelle Memorial Institute · CH

Inventors

• Michael A. Lilga · Richland, US
• Richard T. Hallen · Richland, US
• Todd Werpy · West Richland, US
• James F. White · Irwin, US
• Johnathan E. Holladay · Kennewick, US
• John G. Frye, Jr. · Richland, US
• Alan H. Zacher · Kennewick, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 8, 2007
• Grant date: Aug 9, 2011
• Expiry date: Mar 9, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07D307/46
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method of reducing hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) where a starting material containing HMF in a solvent comprising water is provided. H2 is provided into the reactor and the starting material is contacted with a catalyst containing at least one metal selected from Ni, Co, Cu, Pd, Pt, Ru, Ir, Re and Rh, at a temperature of less than or equal to 250° C. A method of hydrogenating HMF includes providing an aqueous solution containing HMF and fructose. H2 and a hydrogenation catalyst are provided. The HMF is selectively hydrogenated relative to the fructose at a temperature at or above 30° C. A method of producing tetrahydrofuran dimethanol (THFDM) includes providing a continuous flow reactor having first and second catalysts and providing a feed comprising HMF into the reactor. The feed is contacted with the first catalyst to produce furan dimethanol (FDM) which is contacted with the second catalyst to produce THFDM.