Electrochemical cells and photoelectrochemical cells for the reduction of furfurals are provided. Also provided are methods of using the cells to carry out the reduction reactions. Using the cells and methods, furfurals can be converted into furan alcohols or linear ketones.

The present invention relates to: a method for converting a hydroxyl group of an alcohol; and a catalyst which makes the method possible. A method for converting a hydroxyl group of an alcohol according to the present invention is characterized by producing a compound represented by CH(R.sup.1)(R.sup.2)Nu (wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and Nu are as defined below) by reacting an alcohol represented by CH(R.sup.1)(R.sup.2)OH (wherein each of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl group, or the like) and a compound having an active proton, which is represented by H-Nu (wherein Nu represents a group represented by CHX.sup.1-EWG.sup.1 or NR.sup.3R.sup.4; X.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or the like; EWG.sup.1 represents an electron-withdrawing group; and each of R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 represents a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl group, or the like), with each other in the presence of a complex of a group 7-11 metal of the periodic table and at least one solid base that is selected from the group consisting of layered double hydroxides, composite oxides and calcium hydroxide.

The present invention relates to: a method for converting a hydroxyl group of an alcohol; and a catalyst which makes the method possible. A method for converting a hydroxyl group of an alcohol according to the present invention is characterized by producing a compound represented by CH(R.sup.1)(R.sup.2)Nu (wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and Nu are as defined below) by reacting an alcohol represented by CH(R.sup.1)(R.sup.2)OH (wherein each of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl group, or the like) and a compound having an active proton, which is represented by H-Nu (wherein Nu represents a group represented by CHX.sup.1-EWG.sup.1 or NR.sup.3R.sup.4; X.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom or the like; EWG.sup.1 represents an electron-withdrawing group; and each of R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 represents a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted alkyl group, or the like), with each other in the presence of a complex of a group 7-11 metal of the periodic table and at least one solid base that is selected from the group consisting of layered double hydroxides, composite oxides and calcium hydroxide.

The present invention is drawn to a raw material for chemical deposition for producing a ruthenium thin film or a ruthenium compound thin film by a chemical deposition method, containing an organoruthenium compound represented by the following formula 1, and further containing -diketone that is the same as a ligand of the organoruthenium compound. The raw material for chemical deposition of the present invention is inhibited in discoloration/precipitation even when heated at a high temperature, and enables to form a stable ruthenium thin film or ruthenium compound thin film.

##STR00001##

wherein substituents R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each hydrogen, or a linear or branched alkyl group.

A preparation method for 2,3-pentanedione, including the steps of adding one or both of 3-hydroxy-2-pentanone and 2-hydroxy-3-pentanone into water and conducting mixing, and introducing ozone at the temperature of 3-20 C. for a reaction to obtain 2,3-pentanedione. The synthesis process of the present invention uses ozone for oxidizing a mixture containing 3-hydroxy-2-pentanone and 2-hydroxy-3-pentanone, acetic acid is used as a cocatalyst, reaction conditions are mild, the operation process is simple, the product yield is high, and the cost is low.

A preparation method for 2,3-pentanedione, including the steps of adding one or both of 3-hydroxy-2-pentanone and 2-hydroxy-3-pentanone into water and conducting mixing, and introducing ozone at the temperature of 3-20 C. for a reaction to obtain 2,3-pentanedione. The synthesis process of the present invention uses ozone for oxidizing a mixture containing 3-hydroxy-2-pentanone and 2-hydroxy-3-pentanone, acetic acid is used as a cocatalyst, reaction conditions are mild, the operation process is simple, the product yield is high, and the cost is low.

A preparation method for 2,3-pentanedione, including the steps of adding one or both of 3-hydroxy-2-pentanone and 2-hydroxy-3-pentanone into water and conducting mixing, and introducing ozone at the temperature of 3-20 C. for a reaction to obtain 2,3-pentanedione. The synthesis process of the present invention uses ozone for oxidizing a mixture containing 3-hydroxy-2-pentanone and 2-hydroxy-3-pentanone, acetic acid is used as a cocatalyst, reaction conditions are mild, the operation process is simple, the product yield is high, and the cost is low.

A preparation method for 2,3-pentanedione, including the steps of adding one or both of 3-hydroxy-2-pentanone and 2-hydroxy-3-pentanone into water and conducting mixing, and introducing ozone at the temperature of 3-20 C. for a reaction to obtain 2,3-pentanedione. The synthesis process of the present invention uses ozone for oxidizing a mixture containing 3-hydroxy-2-pentanone and 2-hydroxy-3-pentanone, acetic acid is used as a cocatalyst, reaction conditions are mild, the operation process is simple, the product yield is high, and the cost is low.

The present invention discloses processes for producing -dicarbonyl compounds by contacting an aldehyde compound, an ,-unsaturated carbonyl compound, and a catalyst composition in the presence of an amide diluent. The resultant -dicarbonyl compounds then can be used to synthesize pyrrole compounds, such as 2,5-dimethylpyrrole.

The present invention discloses processes for producing -dicarbonyl compounds by contacting an aldehyde compound, an ,-unsaturated carbonyl compound, and a catalyst composition in the presence of an amide diluent. The resultant -dicarbonyl compounds then can be used to synthesize pyrrole compounds, such as 2,5-dimethylpyrrole.