Vapor-phase hydrogenation of citronellal over silica-supported copper prepared <i>via</i> organic additive-assisted impregnation protocol

Abstract The hydrogenation of citronellal to citronellol proceeded over SiO2-supported copper (Cu/SiO2) catalysts prepared by organic additive-assisted impregnation protocol. Introducing Cu species on SiO2 support reduced the rate of the cyclization of citronellal to isopulegol and promoted the formation of citronellol. The utilization of organic additives, especially glucose, highly dispersed Cu nanoparticles, i.e. increased Cu surface area, which promoted catalytic hydrogenation activity. The proportional correlation between Cu surface area and the formation rate of citronellol substantiated this behavior.