Abstract
A computational study for the competitive conversion of glycerol to 1,2-propanediol and 1,3-propanediol is presented, considering a two-step sequence of dehydration followed by hydrogenation. The elementary steps for dehydration, i.e., breaking of C–H followed by C–OH or vice versa, were studied computationally both on the Rh metal surface and the acid-modified ReOH–Rh surface in order to understand the role of the acid promoter. While the acid modifier can catalyze the C–OH cleavage, the activation energy for the C–H cleavage was found to be considerably smaller on both pure and acid-doped Rh(111) surfaces, and breaking the secondary C–H bond is kinetically favored over breaking the terminal C–H bond. This is in complete agreement with experimental protocols favoring the formation of 1,2-propanediol. Another potential feedstock, glycidol, was studied for the epoxide ring opening to yield 1,2-propanediol and 1,3-propanediol, and the reaction was found to be metal-catalyzed even in the presence of acid.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
