Heterogeneous zirconia-supported ruthenium catalyst for highly selective hydrogenation of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde to 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furans in various n-alcohol solvents

Abstract

5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde (HMF) was hydrogenated to 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan (BHMF) (&gt;99% yield) in various <italic>n</italic>-alcohol solvents using a Ru(OH)_x/ZrO₂ catalyst.