Hydrogenation of fructose on Ru/C catalysts Original Research Article

The hydrogenation of d-fructose on Ru/C catalysts was studied. Under the conditions applied (1 bar H2, 72 °C), the furanose forms of d-fructose react, while the pyranose forms do not. However, all anomers adsorb with comparable strength on the surface. The reaction rate is controlled by product inhibition. The selectivity to d-mannitol can be increased from 47 to 63% by promotion of Pd/C and Pt/C catalysts with Sn.