Robust cobalt oxide catalysts for controllable hydrogenation of carboxylic acids to alcohols

Abstract

The selective catalytic hydrogenation of carboxylic acids is an important process for alcohol production, while efficient heterogeneous catalyst systems are still being explored. Here, we report the selective hydrogenation of carboxylic acids using earth-abundant cobalt oxides through a reaction-controlled catalysis process. The further reaction of the alcohols is completely hindered by the presence of carboxylic acids in the reaction system. The partial reduction of cobalt oxides by hydrogen at designated temperatures can dramatically enhance the catalytic activity of pristine samples. A wide range of carboxylic acids with a variety of functional groups can be converted to the corresponding alcohols at a yield level applicable to large-scale production. Cobalt monoxide was established as the preferred active phase for the selective hydrogenation of carboxylic acids.