Ruthenium Nanoparticles Intercalated in Montmorillonite (nano-Ru@MMT) Is Highly Efficient Catalyst for the Selective Hydrogenation of 2-Furaldehyde in Benign Aqueous Medium

Chemoselective hydrogenation of 2-furaldehyde to furfuryl alcohol using green solvents is an important research area to get eco-friendly fuels and fine chemicals. Herein, we report ruthenium nanoparticles (~1.8 nm) intercalated in montmorillonite as an efficient catalytic system, which can selectively hydrogenate 2-furaldehyde in a benign aqueous medium. The complete conversion was observed at 40 °C with 1 MPa H2, the selectivity of furfuryl alcohol being >99%, and turnover number 1165. After a catalytic run, the montmorillonite-supported ruthenium nanoparticles can be recycled and reused without losing their activity and selectivity.