Production of 1,5-pentanediol from biomass via furfural and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol

Production of 1,5-pentanediol from tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, which can be produced from biomass via furfural, is reviewed. Silica- or carbon-supported rhodium catalysts modified with Re, Mo or W show high activity and selectivity, while commercial hydrogenation catalysts such as Ru/C, copper chromite and Raney Ni show much lower activity and selectivity. The formation of metal bond between rhodium metal particles and additive metal is a key to the high performance. The reaction mechanism is discussed based on the characterization data, reactivity of related substrates and kinetics.