Conversion of furfural into cyclopentanone over Ni–Cu bimetallic catalysts

The conversion of furfural into cyclopentanone over Ni–Cu bimetallic catalysts was studied under hydrogen atmosphere. Furfuryl alcohol, 4-hydroxy-2-cyclopentenone and 2-cyclopentenone were verified as three key intermediates. Rearrangement of the furan ring was independent of hydrogenation, starting from furfuryl alcohol rather than furfural. The opening and closure of the furan ring were closely related to the attack of a H2O molecule on the 5-position of furfuryl alcohol. Prior hydrogenation of the aldehyde group accounted for the different reactivity of furfural and furfuryl alcohol. The high selectivity of cyclopentanone was ascribed to the presence of 2-cyclopentenone.