Abstract: The invention provides a bio-based feedstock steam reforming catalyst comprising: a modified support; a metal component; and a promoter. The process also provides a method of preparing a bio-based feedstock steam reforming catalyst comprising: providing a support material comprising a transition metal oxide; providing a modifier comprising an alkaline earth element; contacting the support material with the modifier to form a modified support; providing a metal component comprising a Group VIII transition metal; contacting the support material, the modified support or combinations thereof with the metal component to form the steam reforming catalyst; and contacting the modified support, the metal component, the steam reforming catalyst or combinations thereof with a promoter.

Abstract: A process for preparing 1,3-propanediol comprises the steps of:(a) reacting a cobalt salt selected from at least one of cobalt hydroxide, cobalt (II, III) oxide and cobalt carbonate with synthesis gas in an essentially non-water-miscible liquid medium under conditions effective to produce a cobalt carbonyl reaction product comprising at least one active cobalt carbonyl hydroformylation catalyst species;(b) contacting ethylene oxide with synthesis gas in an essentially non-water miscible liquid medium in the presence of a catalytic amount of the cobalt carbonyl reaction product mixture and an effective amount of a catalyst promoter under reaction conditions effective to produce an intermediate product mixture comprising less than 15 wt % 3-hydroxypropanal;(c) adding an aqueous liquid to said intermediate product mixture and extracting into said aqueous liquid a major portion of the 3-hydroxypropanal so as to provide an aqueous phase comprising 3-hydroxypropanal in greater concentration than the concentration o