Efficient Cross-Coupling of Acetone with Linear Aliphatic Alcohols over Supported Copper on a Fluorite-Type Pr2Zr2O7

In cross-coupling of biomass-derived acetone and alcohols contributing to the production carbon-elongated chemicals fuels, essential catalyst components are metal dispersion for alcohol dehydrogenation and, more importantly, basicity carbon–carbon coupling. Herein, we report potential co-precipitated praseodymia–zirconia solid solution (Pr2Zr2O7) as a support Cu conversion butanol into C7 C11 products. Cu/Pr2Zr2O7 exhibits high yield (ca. 84%) compared Cu/ZrO2 Cu/PrO1.83. Moreover, it is robust under employed solvent-free conditions owing Pr2Zr2O7 PrO1.83 showing phase transition PrOHCO3. It also tolerant up 5 wt % water reactant mixture, recyclable once adequate post-treatment after reaction, can convert acetone–butanol–ethanol mixture C5–C11 products at nearly equivalent (82%) acetone–butanol mixture. Therefore, reported herein an efficient coupling with linear aliphatic biofuel precursors.