Method and catalyst for producing methylbenzyl alcohol from ethanol by catalytic conversion. A route and corresponding catalysts for directly producing methylbenzyl alcohols through catalytic conversion starting from ethanol, providing an important alternative route for increasing the production of aromatic oxygenates. The selectivity of the methylbenzyl alcohols is up to 60%. At the same time, the prepared catalysts have excellent stability. Moreover, this innovative reaction route produces hydrogen as co-product without CO, thus can be directly used in chemical reactions and fuel cells. In addition, the route also produces high carbon number alcohols which can be used as fuels or oil additives to partially replace petroleum-based products, thus partly reducing the dependence on petroleum.

Method and catalyst for producing methylbenzyl alcohol from ethanol by catalytic conversion. A route and corresponding catalysts for directly producing methylbenzyl alcohols through catalytic conversion starting from ethanol, providing an important alternative route for increasing the production of aromatic oxygenates. The selectivity of the methylbenzyl alcohols is up to 60%. At the same time, the prepared catalysts have excellent stability. Moreover, this innovative reaction route produces hydrogen as co-product without CO, thus can be directly used in chemical reactions and fuel cells. In addition, the route also produces high carbon number alcohols which can be used as fuels or oil additives to partially replace petroleum-based products, thus partly reducing the dependence on petroleum.

Compositions and methods of use related to metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and/or nanoparticles are generally described. In some embodiments, methods and compositions for the catalytic upgrading of alcohols using MOFs and/or nanoparticles associated with MOFs are generally described. In some embodiments, a catalytic MOF composition is provided, wherein the MOF composition comprises a MOF compound and a plurality of metal catalytic compounds. In some embodiments, an alcohol may be exposed to the MOF composition and/or a plurality of nanoparticles associated with the MOF composition such that the alcohol is converted to a higher order alcohol. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the alcohol conversion occurs at a relatively high turnover frequency and/or with a relatively high selectivity as compared to traditional methods for converting alcohols.

Compositions and methods of use related to metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and/or nanoparticles are generally described. In some embodiments, methods and compositions for the catalytic upgrading of alcohols using MOFs and/or nanoparticles associated with MOFs are generally described. In some embodiments, a catalytic MOF composition is provided, wherein the MOF composition comprises a MOF compound and a plurality of metal catalytic compounds. In some embodiments, an alcohol may be exposed to the MOF composition and/or a plurality of nanoparticles associated with the MOF composition such that the alcohol is converted to a higher order alcohol. Advantageously, in some embodiments, the alcohol conversion occurs at a relatively high turnover frequency and/or with a relatively high selectivity as compared to traditional methods for converting alcohols.

A catalytic reaction of ethylene oxide (EO) coupling with syngas to produce 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) is disclosed. The catalytic reaction of EO, carbon monoxide and the alcohol uses a N,O-ligand coordinated metal complex catalyst. The reaction is carried out in an organic solvent in the presence of an additive at the temperature of 30-190 C. and the CO pressure of 1-150 atm for 0.1-200 h to prepare 3-hydroxypropinate (3HP). The catalytic reaction of 3HP with dihydrogen uses a copper-containing mixed metal silicon oxide catalyst with a molecular formula of M.sub.uCu.sub.vSi.sub.yO.sub.z. The reaction is carried out at 80-400 C. and 20-150 atm for 0.1-200 h to prepare the 1,3-PDO. The yield of the 1,3-PDO can reach to 73%. The alcohol byproduct generated in the second step catalytic hydrogenation reaction can be recycled to use for the first step catalytic reaction by the ring opening-carbonylation-esterification.

Processes for producing alcohols are described. The processes involve contacting a reactant feed that includes a first alcohol with a metal oxalate salt and a Cu-based catalyst under conditions sufficient to produce a product composition that includes a second alcohol. The second alcohol has a higher carbon number than the first alcohol.

Processes for producing alcohols are described. The processes involve contacting a reactant feed that includes a first alcohol with a metal oxalate salt and a Cu-based catalyst under conditions sufficient to produce a product composition that includes a second alcohol. The second alcohol has a higher carbon number than the first alcohol.

Processes for producing alcohols are described. The processes involve contacting a reactant feed that includes a first alcohol with a metal oxalate salt and a Cu-based catalyst under conditions sufficient to produce a product composition that includes a second alcohol. The second alcohol has a higher carbon number than the first alcohol.

To provide a method for producing a Guerbet alcohol without necessity of the use of a solvent, capable of enhancing the conversion and the yield. A method for producing a Guerbet alcohol, including the following steps 1 to 3 in this order: step 1: preparing a liquid composition containing an aliphatic alcohol and a base; step 2: holding the liquid composition at 100 C. or more and 180 C. or less to thereby adjust a water amount in the liquid composition to less than 0.28% by mass; and step 3: setting the liquid composition to be more than 180 C.

To provide a method for producing a Guerbet alcohol without necessity of the use of a solvent, capable of enhancing the conversion and the yield. A method for producing a Guerbet alcohol, including the following steps 1 to 3 in this order: step 1: preparing a liquid composition containing an aliphatic alcohol and a base; step 2: holding the liquid composition at 100 C. or more and 180 C. or less to thereby adjust a water amount in the liquid composition to less than 0.28% by mass; and step 3: setting the liquid composition to be more than 180 C.