Selectivity in the aqueous phase hydrogenation of succinic acid over molybdenum carbide catalyst

SSCI-VIDE+CDFA+MAB:NPR:CPINational audienceThe use of waste biomass for the production of biofuels and high value-added chemicals is a key point towards the development of a sustainable economy. A fermentation pathway of residual biomass yields succinic acid, which serves as starting point to multiple chemical reactions.In this project, we are interested in the hydrogenation of succinic acid in aqueous phase using supported molybdenum carbide catalysts instead of the more conventional noble metals catalysts.The catalytic action of Molybdenum carbide was assessed for the liquid phase hydrogenation of succinic acid. Reactions were conducted in batch reactor, at 160-240°C and under high H2 pressure 90-150 bars.We considered the effect(s) of reaction temperature, pressure, and solvent in addition to the catalyst preparation parameters on the hydrogenation performance of the catalyst in terms of activity, selectivity and stability. Almost full conversion was obtained when working at 240°C and 150 bars of H2 after 24 hours, where the major products obtained were γ-butyrolactone and butyric acid; after 48 hours, the major products obtained were butanol and tetrahydrofuran of 60% and 40% selectivities respectively