Innovative Catalysis for Sustainable Production of Cyclopentanone from Biomass-Derived Furfuryl Alcohol
As the global demand for sustainable chemicals increases, researchers are exploring renewable feedstocks such as lignocellulosic biomass. Among the promising derivatives of this biomass is furfural, which can be readily converted into furfuryl alcohol (FOL)—a compound already used in resins, flavourings, and foundry applications.
However, FOL also offers significant potential as a platform molecule for producing cyclopentanone (CPO), a high-value chemical employed in fragrances, cosmetics, cleaning agents, and as a precursor for bio-based jet fuels.
A recent study, published in Applied Catalysis B: Environmental and Energy, presents an innovative approach to selectively synthesise CPO from FOL using platinum-supported tungsten-zirconium (W-Zr) mixed oxides as catalysts. The research, led by Adarsh Patil and Fernanda Neira D’Angelo from HIGFLY Project Coordinators Eindhoven University of Technology, focuses on how variations in the W:Zr ratio and platinum (Pt) loading influence catalytic activity and selectivity.
Optimising Catalytic Performance
The catalytic system exploits the tunable acid-base properties of W-Zr supports to facilitate the multi-step transformation of FOL into CPO. The presence of water as a reaction solvent played a dual role—supporting reaction kinetics and contributing to homogeneous catalysis at elevated temperatures.
The study identified key intermediates, including 4-hydroxy-2-cyclopentenone (4H2CP) and 2-cyclopentenone (CPEN), which require selective hydrogenation to yield CPO. Platinum was found to significantly boost hydrogenation activity. However, excessive tungsten reduced the acidity required for optimal performance.
Through careful optimisation, the team achieved a 64% yield of CPO using a catalyst with a low tungsten content (3% Pt/W₀.₃Zr₀.₇-R) under relatively mild conditions: 170 °C and 32 bar hydrogen pressure. This yield is particularly notable given the continuous-flow reactor setup, which offers advantages in scalability and efficiency over batch processes.
Mechanistic Insights and Industrial Viability
Mechanistic analysis revealed that the conversion of FOL to 4H2CP is primarily driven by protonation facilitated by water at elevated temperatures. Subsequent hydrogenation and dehydration steps are governed by the interaction of reactants with the catalyst’s active sites. Interestingly, increasing hydrogen pressure beyond a certain point was found to hinder the reaction due to competitive adsorption, which blocks these active sites.
The study also demonstrated excellent catalyst stability, with consistent activity and selectivity maintained over 38 hours of continuous operation, and only minor deactivation due to carbon deposition. This long-term stability is crucial for future industrial implementation.
Conclusion
This research highlights a promising catalytic strategy for the sustainable production of cyclopentanone from a biomass-derived intermediate. By leveraging the unique properties of W-Zr mixed oxides and platinum, and implementing a continuous flow system, the study provides a viable path toward scaling up green chemical processes.
The HIGFLY project´s findings contribute to the broader goal of reducing fossil dependency and building a more sustainable chemical industry.
Download the full scientific paper here.
