Catalyst and method for preparing 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol by diacetone alcohol hydrogenation

The invention provides a catalyst and a method for preparing 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol by diacetone alcohol hydrogenation. The method includes that diacetone alcohol and hydrogen are subjected to reaction in the presence of a catalyst to generate 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol, wherein the catalyst is a supported metal catalyst formed by loading of an active metal component on a hydroxyapatite carrier. The method can be implemented in an environment-friendly solvent as well as under a solvent-free condition, and the conversion rate of diacetone alcohol in preparation of 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol is up to 100%; a reaction process for preparing 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol from diacetone alcohol is simple, and simple equipment, simplicity and convenience in operation and mild reaction conditions are realized; the catalyst is simple in preparation and low in cost, large-scale production can be realized, and the catalyst prepared according to an ion exchange method is high in hydrothermal stability and recyclability; reaction products can be easily separated from the catalyst and a solvent system, and short reaction period, suitableness for industrial production and a promising application prospect are realized.