(675e) Ethanol Conversion to n-Butanol Via the Guerbet Chemistry: Role of Mixed Oxide Catalysts

In future ethanol is expected to be available in large quantities beyond the transportation blending needs. The excess ethanol can be converted over mixed oxide catalyst to butanol and higher alcohols via complex tandem reaction mechanism (Guerbet) which can be used as a chemical or fuel intermediate. The cascade nature of the Guerbet chemistry requires catalytic materials containing active sites with different functionalities at unique molecular distances. The hydrotalcite derived MgO-Al₂O₃ mixed oxide catalyst is identified as one of the efficient material to convert ethanol to n-butanol and higher alcohols. The catalyst preparation method, mixed oxide composition and the experimental conditions plays a role in directing the ethanol condensation chemistry. In this talk the conversion of ethanol to butanol over a multi-functional mixed oxide catalyst with respect to the catalyst synthesis and preparation, reaction conditions and the reaction mechanism will be discussed.