| abstract |
Provided are hydrogenation catalysts for processing esters into fatty alcohols. More particularly, the catalysts are for vapor-phase hydrogenation of methyl esters to fatty alcohols under fixed-bed conditions, where conditions are typically in a temperature range of 200 to 250°C and a pressure range of 30 to 50 bar. Methods of making and using the same are also provided. These catalysts comprise a copper chromite, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal component, and an inorganic matrix component, which are processed together to form the catalyst. The alkali metal component can comprise sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), caesium (Cs), or combinations thereof. The alkaline earth metal can comprise magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), barium (Ba), or combinations thereof. |