The removal of oxygen from biomass-derived carbohydrates and their derivatives remains a significant challenge in the utilization of renewable carbon feedstocks in the production of chemicals and fuels.  The major reaction paths to accomplish oxygen removal without adding hydrogen or another external reductant to the system involve dehydration, decarbonylation and decarboxylation.  The work described here specifically explores the decarbonylation of heptanoic and propanoic acid over supported Pt, Pd and Rh catalysts.  The mechanism of the reaction will be discussed in light of the reactivity of the late transition metals, the observed selectivity to various products, and the stability of the metal catalysts.

Decarbonylation of carboxylic acids over supported late transition metals

248th National Meeting (2014)

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