Dictating Selectivity in the Catalytic Vapor-Phase Conversion of Glycerol

A viable route for the vapor-phase conversion of glycerol into value-added chemicals is herein presented. This procedure allows to dictate selectivity towards hydroxyacetone (acetol) or methylglyoxal (pyruvaldehyde) by simply tuning experimental conditions while retaining same catalytic system. series gold- and copper-based catalysts supported on gamma-alumina, including bimetallic formulations, were prepared incipient wetness impregnation method tested in a continuous-flow fixed-bed vertical glass reactor at ambient pressure T = 250-300°C. The best performance was achieved with 1%wt Au/Al2O3. Accordingly, could be directed acetol (sel. 72%) 87% when performing reaction 300°C adding H2 carrier N2, pyruvaldehyde 79%) 92% O2 N2 250°C. These relatively mild not only allow energy savings respect common procedures so far reported, but also catalyst stability that can easily regenerated after use. Furthermore, low metal loading (1% wt) its small amount requested each test (0.1 g catalyst) make this economically sustainable.