Synthesis of Ketols by Oxidative Dehydrogenation of 1,2-Diols in Water over Pt/Sn-Beta

Oxidative dehydrogenation of 1,2-diols to ketols was realized over Pt supported on Sn-Beta in base-free water. Introduction of Sn improved the catalytic performance of Pt/Sn-Beta dramatically: hydroxyacetone selectivity of 99% was obtained at 1,2-propanediol conversion of 71%. Sn improved the Pt dispersion and facilitated the O2 activation. Meanwhile, the reaction order and the activation energy were determined. In addition, the catalyst had good recyclability and it also showed high selectivity to other ketols from the corresponding 1,2-diols such as hexanediol.