35. Catalytic Hydrogenolysis of Glycerol

Rhodium-based catalysts were evaluated for the hydrogenolysis of glycerol. The study was focused on the influence of pH and metal additives on catalyst activity and selectivity. Under basic conditions, 1,2-PDO was formed with high selectivity (> 90%). Traces of acetol and ethylene glycol were detected and lactic acid was observed at high pH. Under acidic conditions (H2WO4), or in the presence of metal salts (i.e., FeCl2, ErCl3…), 1,2-PDO; 1,3-PDO and 1-propanol were formed. The highest 1,3-PDO/1,2-PDO ratio was 0.9.