Tetrahydrofurfiryl alcohol could be obtained by catalytic hydrogenation of either furfural or furfuryl alcohol using Pd-, Ru-, Rh-and Ni-supported catalysts as well as their mixtures with a Cu-supported catalyst. In the case of furfural hydrogenation, the best results (97% yield, 100 % conversion, 98 % selectivity) were obtained in the presence of N i and Cu. However, this catalytic mixture could not be recycled. In the case of furfiryl alcohol hydrogenation, Ni-supported catalysts were the most active. Nickel-onsilica-alumina catalyst containing 59% of metal lead to the best results (98-99% yield, selectivity and conversion >99%). Moreover, it could be recycled. Hydrogenation of furfiryl alcohol in the presence of this catalyst was the best procedure for the production of tetrahydrofirfiryl alcohol.Key words: hydrogenation of furfural, hydrogenation of furfuryl alcohol, production of tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, mixture of N i X u catalysts, Ni catalysts.* To whom correspondence should be addressed. 145 J . Chem. Tech. Biorechnol. 0268-2575/90/$03.50 0 1990 Society ofChemical Industry. Printed in Great Britain 1. Certain mixtures of Ni-and Cu-supported catalysts (runs 12, 13 and 15) lead to the best results.
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