Abstract: The present invention relates to a ruthenium carbonyl complex that is represented by the following Formula (1): RuXY(CO)(L)??(1) (in the Formula (1), X and Y, which may be the same or different from each other, represent an anionic ligand and L represents a tridentate aminodiphosphine ligand which has two phosphino groups and a —NH— group), its production method, and a method for production of alcohols by hydrogenation-reduction of ketones, esters, and lactones using the complex as a catalyst. The ruthenium carbonyl complex of the invention has a high catalytic activity and it can be easily prepared and handled.

Abstract: A process for making a hydrogenated product comprising caprolactone (CLO) and 1,6-hexanediol (HDO) and derivatives thereof from adipic acid (AA) obtained from fermentation broths containing diammonium adipate (DAA) or monoammonium adipate (MAA).

Abstract: A process for making a hydrogenated product includes providing a clarified DAS-containing fermentation broth; distilling the broth under super atmospheric pressure at a temperature of >100° C. to about 300° C. to form an overhead that includes water and ammonia, and a liquid bottoms that includes SA, and at least about 20 wt % water; cooling the bottoms to a temperature sufficient to cause the bottoms to separate into a liquid portion in contact with a solid portion that is substantially pure SA; separating the solid portion from the liquid portion; recovering the solid portion; hydrogenating the solid portion in the presence of at least one hydrogenation catalyst to produce the hydrogenated product including at least one of THF, GBL or BDO; and recovering the hydrogenated product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the extractive recovery of a homogeneous ruthenium catalyst from the reaction product of the hydrogenation of glycolic acid, glycolate esters, and/or glycolic acid oligomers with an extractant comprising a hydrophobic solvent and an optional hydrophilic solvent. The ruthenium catalyst, which can include 1,1,1-tris(diaryl- or dialkylphosphinomethyl)alkane ligands, can be recovered from the hydrophobic extract phase by back extraction with a hydrophilic solvent and recycled to a process for the preparation of ethylene glycol by the hydrogenation of glycolic acid and glycolic acid derivatives.

Abstract: Processes for making hydrogenated products including caprolactame (CL) caprolactone (CLO) or 1,6-hexanediol (HDO) and derivative thereof from monoammonium adipate (MAA) and/or adipic acid (AA) obtained from a clarified diammonium adipate-containing (DAA-containing) fermentation broth or monoammonium adipate-containing (MAA-containing) fermentation broth.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a system and method for co-producing a first product and a second product. The system may include a first electrochemical cell, at least one second reactor, and an acidification chamber. The method and system for co-producing a first product and a second product may include co-producing a carboxylic acid and at least one of an alkene, alkyne, aldehyde, ketone, or an alcohol while employing a recycled halide salt.

Abstract: A copper catalyst for producing ethylene glycol by hydrogenation of an oxalate. The catalyst includes a carrier, an additive, and an active component. The carrier is ceramic or metallic honeycomb. The additive is Al, Si, Ba, Ca, Ti, Zr, Fe, Zn, Mn, V, La, Ce, an oxide thereof, or a mixture thereof. The active component is copper, and the active component and the additive are coated on the carrier to form a coating layer. The additive accounts for 5-90 wt. % of the carrier, the active component accounts for 1-40 wt. % of the carrier, and the copper accounts for 5-50 wt. % of the coating layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hydrogenation catalyst, the preparation process thereof and the application thereof in the production of 1,4-butanediol by hydrogenating dialkyl maleate and/or dialkyl succinate. The catalyst comprises Cu—Al-A-B-G, wherein A comprises at least one of Zn. Mo and W, B comprises at least one of Ba, Mn, Mg, Ti, Ce and Zr. In the process for preparing said hydrogenation catalyst, a part of Cu and A are precipitated first and the rest of Cu, Al and B are precipitated successively.

Abstract: A process for making a hydrogenated product includes providing a clarified DAS-containing fermentation broth, distilling the broth to form an overhead that includes water and ammonia, and a liquid bottoms that includes MAS, at least some DAS, and at least about 20 wt % water, cooling and/or evaporating the bottoms, and optionally adding an antisolvent to the bottoms, to attain a temperature and composition sufficient to cause the bottoms to separate into a DAS-containing liquid portion and a MAS-containing solid portion that is substantially free of DAS, separating the solid portion from the liquid portion, recovering the solid portion, hydrogenating the second solid portion in the presence of at least one hydrogenation catalyst to produce the hydrogenated product comprising at least one of THF, GBL or BDO, and recovering the hydrogenated product.

Abstract: A process for making a hydrogenated product includes providing a clarified DAS-containing fermentation broth, distilling the broth to form an overhead that includes water and ammonia, and a liquid bottoms that includes MAS, at least some DAS, and at least about 20 wt % water, cooling and/or evaporating the bottoms, and optionally adding an antisolvent to the bottoms, to attain a temperature and composition sufficient to cause the bottoms to separate into a DAS-containing liquid portion and a MAS-containing solid portion that is substantially free of DAS, separating the solid portion from the liquid portion, recovering the solid portion, hydrogenating the second solid portion in the presence of at least one hydrogenation catalyst to produce the hydrogenated product comprising at least one of THF, GBL or BDO, and recovering the hydrogenated product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing diols by hydrogenating a mixture comprising carboxylic acid, carboxylic anhydrides and/or carboxylic esters/lactones by means of a cobalt-comprising catalyst, wherein alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal ions are added to the hydrogenation feed, excluding alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal ions of mineral acids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for the production of ethanol from a carbonaceous feedstock; wherein the carbonaceous feedstock is first converted to synthesis gas which is then converted to ethanoic acid, which is then esterified and which is then hydrogenated to produce ethanol.

Abstract: Methods of purifying BT are disclosed. The method comprises adding at least one polyhydroxyl compound to a crude BT mixture comprising BT and at least one boron-containing compound to form a polyhydroxyl compound/BT mixture. In one embodiment, the polyhydroxyl compound/BT mixture is then heated to a temperature greater than the boiling point of BT but less than the boiling point of the at least one polyhydroxyl compound. In another embodiment, the polyhydroxyl compound/BT mixture is heated to a temperature greater than the melting point of the at least one polyhydroxyl compound, and then to a temperature greater than the boiling point of BT but less than the boiling point of the at least one polyhydroxyl compound. A composition comprising BT is also disclosed.

Abstract: Esters and lactones can be respectively reduced to alcohols and diols in the presence of the Group 8 (VIII) transition metal complex, base and hydrogen gas (H2). An extremely practical reduction method can be provided by preferable combinations of the Group 8 (VIII) transition metal complex, the base, a used amount of the base, a pressure of hydrogen gas and a reaction temperature. This method is used in place of hydride reduction and is a useful method by which design of highly active catalysts can be relatively easily made while a high productivity can be expected.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of succinic acid comprising the steps of: a) providing an aqueous medium comprising magnesium succinate by fermentation of a carbohydrate source, in the presence of a magnesium base; b) processing the aqueous medium wherein the magnesium succinate is treated with a monovalent base, prior to or after a crystallisation step, to provide a magnesium base and an aqueous solution comprising a monovalent succinate salt; c) adjusting the concentration of the monovalent succinate salt to between 10 and 35 wt. %; d) subjecting the aqueous solution to water-splitting electrodialysis, to produce a first solution comprising monovalent base and a second solution comprising succinic acid and monovalent succinate salt, the electrodialysis causing conversion of 40 to 95 mole %; e) separating the second solution into succinic acid and the monovalent succinate salt by crystallisation; f) recycling the monovalent succinate salt solution of step e) to step d).

Abstract: Methods and systems for electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to carboxylic acids, glycols, and carboxylates are disclosed. A method may include, but is not limited to, steps (A) to (D). Step (A) may introduce water to a first compartment of an electrochemical cell. The first compartment may include an anode. Step (B) may introduce carbon dioxide to a second compartment of the electrochemical cell. The second compartment may include a solution of an electrolyte and a cathode. Step (C) may apply an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode in the electrochemical cell sufficient to reduce the carbon dioxide to a carboxylic acid intermediate. Step (D) may contact the carboxylic acid intermediate with hydrogen to produce a reaction product.

Abstract: Process for the production of glycolic acid by contacting carbon monoxide and formaldehyde with a catalyst containing an acidic polyoxometalate compound encapsulated within the pores of a zeolite. The zeolite has cages larger than the acidic polyoxometalate compound, and has pores with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the acidic polyoxometalate compound.

Abstract: In a process for preparing a supported hydrogenation catalyst with increased hydrogenation activity, which comprises a hydrogenating metal and/or an oxide of a hydrogenating metal on an Al2O3-containing support material, said calcined supported hydrogenation catalyst is treated before or after the final shaping thereof and before use thereof in the hydrogenation with a base solution having a pH of >10 at a temperature in the range from 20 to 120° C. for 1 to 300 hours.

Abstract: A process for making a hydrogenated product includes providing a clarified DAS-containing fermentation broth, distilling the broth to form an overhead that includes water and ammonia, and a liquid bottoms that includes MAS, at least some DAS, and at least about 20 wt % water, cooling and/or evaporating the bottoms, and optionally adding an antisolvent to the bottoms, to attain a temperature and composition sufficient to cause the bottoms to separate into a DAS-containing liquid portion and a MAS-containing solid portion that is substantially free of DAS, separating the solid portion from the liquid portion, recovering the solid portion, hydrogenating the second solid portion in the presence of at least one hydrogenation catalyst to produce the hydrogenated product comprising at least one of THF, GBL or BDO, and recovering the hydrogenated product.

Abstract: A process for making a hydrogenated product includes providing a clarified DAS-containing fermentation broth, distilling the broth to form an overhead that includes water and ammonia, and a liquid bottoms that includes MAS, at least some DAS, and at least about 20 wt % water, cooling and/or evaporating the bottoms, and optionally adding an antisolvent to the bottoms, to attain a temperature and composition sufficient to cause the bottoms to separate into a DAS-containing liquid portion and a MAS-containing solid portion that is substantially free of DAS, separating the solid portion from the liquid portion, recovering the solid portion, hydrogenating the second solid portion in the presence of at least one hydrogenation catalyst to produce the hydrogenated product comprising at least one of THF, GBL or BDO, and recovering the hydrogenated product.

Abstract: Provided are processes for producing ethylene glycol from oxalate(s), wherein two or more reaction zones in series are used, and oxalate feedstock is fed stagewise, or hydrogen feedstock and optionally a solvent are fed stagewise. The present processes achieve higher selectivity for the product and improved stability of catalysts.

Abstract: A process for making a hydrogenated product includes providing a clarified DAS-containing fermentation broth, distilling the broth to form an overhead that includes water and ammonia, and a liquid bottoms that includes MAS, at least some DAS, and at least about 20 wt % water, cooling and/or evaporating the bottoms, and optionally adding an antisolvent to the bottoms, to attain a temperature and composition sufficient to cause the bottoms to separate into a DAS-containing liquid portion and a MAS-containing solid portion that is substantially free of DAS, separating the solid portion from the liquid portion, recovering the solid portion, hydrogenating the second solid portion in the presence of at least one hydrogenation catalyst to produce the hydrogenated product comprising at least one of THF, GBL or BDO, and recovering the hydrogenated product.

Abstract: The present invention provide a process for the production of compounds of general formula (I), Y—CH2CH2—Z (I) wherein Y and Z are functional groups independently selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group and R1R2N and wherein R1 and R2 may be the same or different and are functional groups selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and substituted or non-substituited alkyl groups comprising 1 to 8 carbon atoms, or R1R2N is a cyclic compound selected from the group of aromatic and non-aromatic cyclic compounds optionally comprising one or more heteroatoms in addition to the nitrogen atom, said process comprising the steps of: (i) reacting carbon monoxide and an amine in the presence of oxygen to provide a compound of general formula (II) wherein R1 and R2 or R1R2N are as defined above and X is selected from the group consisting of R1R2N and R3O, wherein R3 is selected from alkyl groups comprising 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and (ii) converting the compound of general formula (II) into a compound of

Abstract: A process for the purification of a crude liquid feed stream comprising 1,4-butanediol and a minor amount of 2-(4-hydroxybutoxy)-tetrahydrofuran and/or precursors thereof wherein the process comprises passing the crude feed in the presence of hydrogen in a reaction zone over a heterogeneous liquid tolerant copper catalyst in the liquid phase at hydrogenation conditions and recovering a purified stream of 1,4-butanediol having a lower amount of 2-(4-hydroxybutoxy)-tetrahydrofuran than the crude liquid feed stream.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the extractive recovery of a homogeneous ruthenium catalyst from the reaction product of the hydrogenation of glycolic acid, glycolate esters, and/or glycolic acid oligomers with an extractant comprising a hydrophobic solvent and an optional hydrophilic solvent. The ruthenium catalyst, which can include 1,1,1-tris(diaryl- or dialkylphosphinomethyl)alkane ligands, can be recovered from the hydrophobic extract phase by back extraction with a hydrophilic solvent and recycled to a process for the preparation of ethylene glycol by the hydrogenation of glycolic acid and glycolic acid derivatives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for hydrogenating oligo- and/or polyesters obtainable by esterifying a DCS with a diol or diol mixture, said hydrogenation being performed in the presence of a catalyst whose catalyst precursor comprises copper oxide, aluminum oxide and at least one oxide of lanthanum, of iron, of tungsten, of molybdenum, of titanium or of zirconium, and to a process for preparing 1,6-hexanediol by catalytically hydrogenating ester mixtures which comprise, as main components, oligo- and polyesters of adipic acid and 6-hydroxycaproic acid, and are obtained by esterifying DCS with diols, especially 1,6-hexanediol or diol mixtures.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of an alkylene glycol from an alkylene oxide. Alkylene oxide reacts with carbon dioxide in the presence of a carboxylation catalyst to provide alkylene carbonate; alkylene carbonate reacts with water in the presence of a hydrolysis catalyst to provide alkylene glycol. An initial charge of the carboxylation catalyst and an initial charge of the hydrolysis catalyst are added, the degradation and activity of the hydrolysis catalyst are monitored, and when the activity of the hydrolysis catalyst has fallen below a minimum level, an additional charge of the hydrolysis catalyst is added.

Abstract: A method for producing an alcohol compound, wherein a carboxylic acid ester compound is reduced with hydrogen in the presence of a ruthenium complex which is obtained by reacting an imidazolium salt (A) having at least one optionally substituted amino group with a ruthenium compound (B) in the presence of a base (C).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing 1,6-hexanediol and caprolactone, preferably with at least 99.5% purity, which are especially virtually free of 1,4-cyclohexanediols, from a carboxylic acid mixture which is obtained as a by-product of the catalytic oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanone/cyclohexanol with oxygen or oxygen-comprising gases and by water extraction of the reaction mixture, by hydrogenating the carboxylic acid mixture, esterifying and hydrogenating a substream to hexanediol and cyclizing 6-hydroxycaproic ester, the 1,4-cyclohexanediols being removed either in the course of fractionation of the esterification mixture or last from the caprolactone.

Abstract: A process for making a hydrogenated product includes providing a clarified DAS-containing fermentation broth; distilling the broth under super atmospheric pressure at a temperature of >100° C. to about 300° C. to form an overhead that includes water and ammonia, and a liquid bottoms that includes SA, and at least about 20 wt % water; cooling the bottoms to a temperature sufficient to cause the bottoms to separate into a liquid portion in contact with a solid portion that is substantially pure SA; separating the solid portion from the liquid portion; recovering the solid portion; hydrogenating the solid portion in the presence of at least one hydrogenation catalyst to produce the hydrogenated product including at least one of THF, GBL or BDO; and recovering the hydrogenated product.

Abstract: A process for making a hydrogenated product includes providing a clarified DAS-containing fermentation broth; distilling the broth under super atmospheric pressure at a temperature of >100° C. to about 300° C. to form an overhead that includes water and ammonia, and a liquid bottoms that includes SA, and at least about 20 wt % water; cooling the bottoms to a temperature sufficient to cause the bottoms to separate into a liquid portion in contact with a solid portion that is substantially pure SA; separating the solid portion from the liquid portion; recovering the solid portion; hydrogenating the solid portion in the presence of at least one hydrogenation catalyst to produce the hydrogenated product including at least one of THF, GBL or BDO; and recovering the hydrogenated product.

Abstract: A process for making a hydrogenated product includes providing a clarified DAS-containing fermentation broth, distilling the broth to form an overhead that includes water and ammonia, and a liquid bottoms that includes MAS, at least some DAS, and at least about 20 wt % water, cooling and/or evaporating the bottoms, and optionally adding an antisolvent to the bottoms, to attain a temperature and composition sufficient to cause the bottoms to separate into a DAS-containing liquid portion and a MAS-containing solid portion that is substantially free of DAS, separating the solid portion from the liquid portion, recovering the solid portion, hydrogenating the second solid portion in the presence of at least one hydrogenation catalyst to produce the hydrogenated product comprising at least one of THF, GBL or BDO, and recovering the hydrogenated product.

Abstract: A process for making a hydrogenated product includes providing a clarified DAS-containing fermentation broth, distilling the broth to form an overhead that includes water and ammonia, and a liquid bottoms that includes MAS, at least some DAS, and at least about 20 wt % water, cooling and/or evaporating the bottoms, and optionally adding an antisolvent to the bottoms, to attain a temperature and composition sufficient to cause the bottoms to separate into a DAS-containing liquid portion and a MAS-containing solid portion that is substantially free of DAS, separating the solid portion from the liquid portion, recovering the solid portion, hydrogenating the second solid portion in the presence of at least one hydrogenation catalyst to produce the hydrogenated product comprising at least one of THF, GBL or BDO, and recovering the hydrogenated product.

Abstract: A process for making a hydrogenated product includes providing a clarified DAS-containing fermentation broth; distilling the broth under super atmospheric pressure at a temperature of >100° C. to about 300° C. to form an overhead that includes water and ammonia, and a liquid bottoms that includes SA, and at least about 20 wt % water; cooling the bottoms to a temperature sufficient to cause the bottoms to separate into a liquid portion in contact with a solid portion that is substantially pure SA; separating the solid portion from the liquid portion; recovering the solid portion; hydrogenating the solid portion in the presence of at least one hydrogenation catalyst to produce the hydrogenated product including at least one of THF, GBL or BDO; and recovering the hydrogenated product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ruthenium carbonyl complex that is represented by the following Formula (1): RuXY(CO)(L)??(1) (in the Formula (1), X and Y, which may be the same or different from each other, represent an anionic ligand and L represents a tridentate aminodiphosphine ligand which has two phosphino groups and a —NH— group), its production method, and a method for production of alcohols by hydrogenation-reduction of ketones, esters, and lactones using the complex as a catalyst. The ruthenium carbonyl complex of the invention has a high catalytic activity and it can be easily prepared and handled.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing an alcohol from a lactone or a carboxylic acid ester, which enables to produce an alcohol from a lactone or a carboxylic acid ester under relatively mild conditions with high yield and high catalytic efficiency. This method also enables to produce an optically active alcohol from an optically active lactone or an optically active carboxylic acid ester. Specifically disclosed is a method for producing an alcohol by hydrogen reducing a lactone or a carboxylic acid ester in the presence of a catalyst containing ruthenium and a phosphine compound represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1 represents a spacer; R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1-12 carbon atoms, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group; and R8, R9, R10, R11, R12 and R13 independently represent an alkyl group having 1-12 carbon atoms, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group.

Abstract: A process for producing glycolic acid from carbon monoxide and formaldehyde using a catalyst comprising an acidic polyoxometalate compound encapsulated within the pores of a zeolite, wherein the zeolite has cages larger than the acidic polyoxometalate compound, the zeolite also having pores with a diameter smaller than that of the acidic polyoxometalate compound.

Abstract: A process for producing glycolic acid from carbon monoxide and formaldehyde, optionally in a solvent, using a catalyst comprising an acidic polyoxometalate compound insoluble in formaldehyde, glycolic acid and the optional solvent, wherein the insoluble acidic polyoxometalate compound has a concentration of acid sites of greater than 60 ?mol g?1 on the external surface and/or has a Hammett Acidity value of less than ?12.8.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing diols by hydrogenating a mixture comprising carboxylic acid, carboxylic anhydrides and/or carboxylic esters/lactones by means of a cobalt-comprising catalyst, wherein alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal ions are added to the hydrogenation feed, excluding alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal ions of mineral acids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing 1,6-hexanediol, in which a hexanediol having a proportion by weight of nitrogen of less than 5 ppm is obtained, 1,6-hexanediol having a proportion by weight of nitrogen of less than 5 ppm and also the use of this 1,6-hexanediol for preparing polymers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for catalytically hydrogenating a hydrogenatable precursor in contact with a hydrogen-containing gas and a hydrogenation catalyst comprising one or more active hydrogenation catalyst components on a support comprising titanium dioxide in the rutile crystalline phase to produce 1,4-butanediol and, optionally, gamma-butyrolactone and/or tetrahydrofuran.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to processes for the chemocatalytic conversion of a carbohydrate source to an adipic acid product. The present invention includes processes for the conversion of a carbohydrate source to an adipic acid product via a furanic substrate, such as 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or derivatives thereof. The present invention also includes processes for producing an adipic acid product comprising the catalytic hydrogenation of a furanic substrate to produce a tetrahydrofuranic substrate and the catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of at least a portion of the tetrahydrofuranic substrate to an adipic acid product. The present invention also includes products produced from adipic acid product and processes for the production thereof from such adipic acid product.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to processes for the chemocatalytic conversion of a glucose source to an adipic acid product. The present invention includes processes for the conversion of glucose to an adipic acid product via glucaric acid or derivatives thereof. The present invention also includes processes comprising catalytic oxidation of glucose to glucaric acid or derivative thereof and processes comprising the catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of glucaric acid or derivatives thereof to an adipic acid product. The present invention also includes products produced from adipic acid product and processes for the production thereof from such adipic acid product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of catalytic hydrogenation and, more particularly, to the use of Ru complexes with bidentate ligands, having one amino or imino coordinating group and one phosphino coordinating group, in hydrogenation processes for the reduction of esters or lactones into the corresponding alcohol or diol respectively.

Abstract: A method of isolating a PHA, includes combining the PHA, a first solvent and a second solvent to form a combination, the first solvent being capable of forming an azeotrope with the second solvent; and heating the combination to form the azeotrope of the first and second solvents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for oxidizing renewable polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to a malonic acid intermediate which is subsequently reduced to 1,3 propanediol (PDO).

Abstract: Provided are processes for producing ethylene glycol from oxalate(s), wherein two or more reaction zones in series are used, and oxalate feedstock is fed stagewise, or hydrogen feedstock and optionally a solvent are fed stagewise. The present processes achieve higher selectivity for the product and improved stability of catalysts.

Abstract: A process for carrying out heterogeneously catalyzed hydrogenation reactions in a fixed-bed reactor includes providing at least one main reactor containing a first amount of catalyst; providing a first auxiliary reactor and a second auxiliary reactor, each containing a second amount of catalyst, wherein the first amount of catalyst is relatively larger than the second amount of catalyst; passing a starting product of a fatty compound through the first auxiliary reactor and reacting the starting product with hydrogen in the presence of the catalyst; continuing the reaction through the at least one main reactor; and continuing the reaction through the second auxiliary reactor, wherein the first auxiliary reactor is reactivated. Another process provided includes a first and second main reactor, and a first and second auxiliary reactor, where relatively pure and impure starting products of a fatty compound are processed substantially continuously by cyclic switching of the reactors.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing an alcohol from a lactone or a carboxylic acid ester, which enables to produce an alcohol from a lactone or a carboxylic acid ester under relatively mild conditions with high yield and high catalytic efficiency. This method also enables to produce an optically active alcohol from an optically active lactone or an optically active carboxylic acid ester. Specifically disclosed is a method for producing an alcohol by hydrogen reducing a lactone or a carboxylic acid ester in the presence of a catalyst containing ruthenium and a phosphine compound represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1 represents a spacer; R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1-12 carbon atoms, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group; and R8, R9, R10, R11, R12 and R13 independently represent an alkyl group having 1-12 carbon atoms, an aryl group or a heterocyclic group.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a fatty alcohol and glycerin by hydrogenation reaction of fats and oils in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the reaction is carried out in the coexistence of an organic solvent.