Catalytic Transformation of Biomass-Derived Compounds on Zeolites Containing Lewis Acid Sites

Zr-Beta and Sn-Beta are studied in the Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley transfer hydrogenation of furfural with isopropanol in order to determine the root of activity differences. Despite similar activation energies and kinetic isotope effects, rate and selectivity to the desired alcohol product are significantly higher on Zr-Beta.