Catalytic production of 1,2-propanediol from glycerol in bio-ethanol solvent

Production of 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PDO) from glycerol hydrogenolysis was carried out in bio-ethanol solvent over small amount of Rh-promoted Cu/solid-base catalysts prepared via layered double hydroxide precursors. It was found that glycerol hydrogenolysis proceeded easily on Rh–Cu/solid-base catalysts than separated Rh and Cu/solid-base. The conversion of glycerol and selectivity to 1,2-PDO over Rh0.02Cu0.4/Mg5.6Al1.98O8.57 reached 91.0% and 98.7%, respectively, at 2.0 MPa H2, 180 °C. And this catalyst was stable in five consecutive hydrogenolysis tests in ethanol.