Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and method of using the MOFs to catalyze reactions involving epoxide ring-opening mechanisms are provided. The structure of the MOFs can be represented by the formula: M.sub.6(μ.sub.3-ligand).sub.8(OH.sub.x).sub.8(TBAPy).sub.2, where M is Zr or Hf, the ligands are selected from hydroxo-, oxo- and aquo-ligands, and x is independently selected from 1 or 2.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and method of using the MOFs to catalyze reactions involving epoxide ring-opening mechanisms are provided. The structure of the MOFs can be represented by the formula: M.sub.6(μ.sub.3-ligand).sub.8(OH.sub.x).sub.8(TBAPy).sub.2, where M is Zr or Hf, the ligands are selected from hydroxo-, oxo- and aquo-ligands, and x is independently selected from 1 or 2.

A process for producing propylene glycol from glycerol including a catalyst of Cu and Ce at concentrations of up to 15% of each metal. In addition, it is described a catalyst of Cu and Ce to perform the selective reduction of glycerol and the process of production of such catalyst.

A process for producing propylene glycol from glycerol including a catalyst of Cu and Ce at concentrations of up to 15% of each metal. In addition, it is described a catalyst of Cu and Ce to perform the selective reduction of glycerol and the process of production of such catalyst.

A phosphorus ligand-free, mild, efficient and complete catalytic hydrogenation process is for the sustainable production of terminal diols from renewable terminal dialkyl esters with improved yield. Soluble, phosphorus ligand free Ru (II)-pincer type complexes can be used as catalysts in the hydrogenation process.

A phosphorus ligand-free, mild, efficient and complete catalytic hydrogenation process is for the sustainable production of terminal diols from renewable terminal dialkyl esters with improved yield. Soluble, phosphorus ligand free Ru (II)-pincer type complexes can be used as catalysts in the hydrogenation process.

The invention relates to processes for oxygenate synthesis and homologation, to equipment and materials useful in such processes, and to the use of such oxygenate for producing olefin and polyolefin.

The invention relates to processes for oxygenate synthesis and homologation, to equipment and materials useful in such processes, and to the use of such oxygenate for producing olefin and polyolefin.

Provided is a method for preparing a diol. In the method, a saccharide and hydrogen as raw materials are contacted with a catalyst in water to prepare the diol. The employed catalyst is a composite catalyst comprised of a main catalyst and a cocatalyst, wherein the main catalyst is a water-insoluble acid-resistant alloy; and the cocatalyst is a soluble tungstate and/or soluble tungsten compound. The method uses an acid-resistant, inexpensive and stable alloy needless of a support as a main catalyst, and can guarantee a high yield of the diol in the case where the production cost is relatively low.

Provided is a method for preparing a diol. In the method, a saccharide and hydrogen as raw materials are contacted with a catalyst in water to prepare the diol. The employed catalyst is a composite catalyst comprised of a main catalyst and a cocatalyst, wherein the main catalyst is a water-insoluble acid-resistant alloy; and the cocatalyst is a soluble tungstate and/or soluble tungsten compound. The method uses an acid-resistant, inexpensive and stable alloy needless of a support as a main catalyst, and can guarantee a high yield of the diol in the case where the production cost is relatively low.