Promoting effect of Mo on the hydrogenolysis of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol to 1,5-pentanediol over Rh/SiO2

Addition of Mo to Rh/SiO2 promoted the hydrogenolysis of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol to 1,5-pentanediol drastically. Addition of Re and W to Rh/SiO2 was also effective, but the promoting effect of Mo was more remarkable in terms of catalyst stability and high activity even at low reactant concentrations. Characterization of Rh–MoOx/SiO2 suggests that a partially reduced Mo species is attached to the surface of Rh metal particles. The synergy between the MoOx and the Rh metal surface results in a high chemoselectivity and activity in the hydrogenolysis of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol.