Abstract: Disclosed are catalysts comprising copper chromite, palladium and lanthanum having hydrogenation activity. The combination of copper chromite with palladium and lanthanum enhances catalyst activity more than the presence of either palladium alone or palladium in combination with alkali or alkaline earth metals. The catalysts are useful for the preparation of methanol from carbon monoxide and hydrogen and for the hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds such as, for example, aldehydes, ketones, and esters, to their corresponding alcohols. The catalysts may be used for the preparation of cyclohexanedimethanols from dialkyl cyclohexanedicarboxylates or of ethylene glycol from alkyl glycolates.

Abstract: Disclosed are catalysts comprising copper chromite, palladium and lanthanum having hydrogenation activity. The combination of copper chromite with palladium and lanthanum enhances catalyst activity more than the presence of either palladium alone or palladium in combination with alkali or alkaline earth metals. The catalysts are useful for the preparation of methanol from carbon monoxide and hydrogen and for the hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds such as, for example, aldehydes, ketones, and esters, to their corresponding alcohols. The catalysts may be used for the preparation of cyclohexanedimethanols from dialkyl cyclohexanedicarboxylates or of ethylene glycol from alkyl glycolates.

Abstract: Disclosed are catalysts comprising copper chromite, ruthenium and at least one promoter selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, rare earth elements having hydrogenation activity. The combination of copper chromite with ruthenium and the alkali, alkaline earth, and/or rare earth elements enhances catalyst activity more than the addition of either type of promoter alone. The catalysts are useful for the preparation of methanol from carbon monoxide and hydrogen and for the hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds such as, for example, aldehydes, ketones, and esters, to their corresponding alcohols. The catalysts may be used for the preparation of cyclohexanedimethanols from dialkyl cyclohexanedicarboxylates or of ethylene glycol from alkyl glycolates.