Catalytic decomposition of 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran to monomeric cyclic compounds over Pd/XCs2.5H0.5PW12O40/OMC (ordered mesoporous carbon) (X=10–30wt.%) catalysts

Abstract A series of Pd/XCs 2.5 H 0.5 PW 12 O 40 /OMC (ordered mesoporous carbon) (X = 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 wt.%) catalysts with different Cs 2.5 H 0.5 PW 12 O 40 contents (X, wt%) were prepared by a sequential incipient wetness impregnation method for use in the catalytic decomposition of 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran to monomeric cyclic compounds. 2,3-Dihydrobenzofuran was used as a lignin model compound for representing β-5 linkage of lignin. Acidity of Pd/XCs 2.5 H 0.5 PW 12 O 40 /OMC catalysts served as an important factor determining the catalytic performance in the reaction. Conversion of 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran and total yield for main products (2-ethylphenol and ethylcyclohexane) increased with increasing acidity of Pd/XCs 2.5 H 0.5 PW 12 O 40 /OMC catalysts.