Catalytic synthesis of isoprenol from fatty acid ester over bimetallic Cu–Fe catalysts

Abstract

Supported bimetallic Cu–Fe catalysts revealed high activity and selectivity in isoprenyl acetate hydrogenation to isoprenol under mild reaction conditions (2 MPa H2 and 170 °C). The nature of the carrier has a significant impact on the catalytic properties of Cu–Fe catalysts. The best catalytic properties were found for the 5% Cu–5% Fe/Al2O3 bimetallic catalyst, which provides a 98% isoprenyl acetate conversion in 4 h with the isoprenol selectivity of 82%.