Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of m-cresol (3-methylphenol) has been studied as a model for the HDO of the phenolic fraction of pyrolysis oil of lignocellulosic biomass. To facilitate selective removal of oxygen without further hydrogenation of unsaturated C-C bonds, experiments were conducted at low hydrogen pressures. Kinetic studies in a plug-flow reactor show that toluene can be selectively produced from m-cresol over a Pt/?-Al2O3 catalyst at pressures as low as 0.5 atm H2 and 533 K. A reaction network has been developed by studying the reactions of m-cresol and the observed reaction products and intermediates over Pt/ ?-Al2O3 and other supports. m-Cresol HDO proceeds by a bifunctional mechanism, requiring metal-catalyzed hydrogenation of the aromatic ring followed by acid-catalyzed dehydration. The degree of hydrogenation of the pool of intermediates prior to dehydration largely determines the resultant product distribution. Selective production of toluene requires the dehydration to occur before saturation of the aromatic ring.

Synergy of hydrogenation and acid functions in the hydrodeoxygenation of m-cresol

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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