Rhodium Catalyst Method for Hydrogenation of Furfural to Bio-Fuel
Summary
The USPTO published patent application US20260098023A1 by King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, covering a method for hydrogenating furfural to furfuryl ethyl ether bio-fuel using a rhodium nanoparticle catalyst (0.9-1.1 wt.% on alumina). The reaction achieves at least 99% conversion and 99% selectivity under ethanol and hydrogen atmosphere.
What changed
The USPTO published patent application US20260098023A1 disclosing a hydrogenation method using rhodium nanoparticles (0.9-1.1 wt.% on alumina support) to convert furfural to furfuryl ethyl ether bio-fuel in ethanol solvent under hydrogen atmosphere. The claimed process achieves at least 99 wt.% furfural conversion and 99 wt.% selectivity for the target product.
For parties in the bio-fuel, chemical manufacturing, or catalysis industries, this published application represents potential future competitive IP constraints. Competitors developing similar furfural conversion processes should conduct freedom-to-operate analyses and consider filing opposing prior art. The patent is still under examination and has not yet been granted.
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Apr 9, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
METHOD FOR HYDROGENATION OF FURFURAL TO BIO-FUEL
Application US20260098023A1 Kind: A1 Apr 09, 2026
Assignee
KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
Inventors
M. Nasiruzzaman SHAIKH, Afnan Mohammed AJEEBI, Huda Saeed ALGHAMDI, Zain Hassan Abdallah YAMANI
Abstract
A method of hydrogenation includes contacting a catalyst, including rhodium nanoparticles in an amount of 0.9 percent by weight (wt. %) to 1.1 wt. % based on the total weight of the catalyst supported on alumina, with furfural in the presence of ethanol to form a reaction mixture. The method further includes heating the reaction mixture at a pressure, at a temperature, and for a time, in a hydrogen gas atmosphere to form a hydrogenated product including furfuryl ethyl ether. At least 99 wt. % of the furfural is reacted to form the furfuryl ethyl ether and the furfuryl ethyl ether is formed with at least a 99 wt. % selectivity.
CPC Classifications
C07D 307/42
Filing Date
2024-10-08
Application No.
18909618
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