| abstract |
The present invention relates to catalysts, to processes for making catalysts and to chemical processes employing such catalysts. The multifunctional catalysts are preferably used for converting acetic acid and ethyl acetate to ethanol. The catalyst is effective for providing an acetic acid conversion greater than 20% and an ethyl acetate conversion greater than 0%. The catalyst comprises a precious metal and one or more active metals on a modified support. The modified support includes a metal selected from the group consisting of tungsten, vanadium, and tantalum, provided that the modified support does not contain phosphorous. |