Catalytic Conversion of Ethanol into an Advanced Biofuel: Unprecedented Selectivity for <i>n</i>‐Butanol

Abstract

Taming the beast: Unprecedented selectivity of over 94 % at good (20 %+) conversion was observed for the upgrade of ethanol to the advanced biofuel 1-butanol with a ruthenium diphosphine catalyst (see picture; P orange, Ru blue). Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that control over the notoriously uncontrolled acetaldehyde aldol condensation is critical for the high selectivity, and evidence was found for an on-metal condensation step. As a service to our authors and readers, this journal provides supporting information supplied by the authors. Such materials are peer reviewed and may be re-organized for online delivery, but are not copy-edited or typeset. Technical support issues arising from supporting information (other than missing files) should be addressed to the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.