The stereo‐catalytic effect of CeO2 for the synthesis of trans‐3‐penten‐2‐ol

The transformation of biobased alkanediols over heterogeneous catalysts is a major object. Here, a series of catalysts were prepared for 2,4‐pentanediol dehydration to 3‐penten‐2‐ol. Ceria‐based catalysts had a unique property of showing high efficiency. More importantly, a stereocatalytic effect was observed for CeO₂, yielding trans‐3‐penten‐2‐ol with a high selectivity. Raman, XPS, TPD, and TPR were carried out to clarify the catalyst structure, and the relationship between the catalyst structure and catalytic performance were studied. The amount of Lewis acid sites can hardly be correlated with the total concentrations of the oxygen vacancies. It was suggested that the geometry structure of the active sites played a crucial role in trans‐3‐penten‐2‐ol production. The oxygen vacancies originating from CeO₂ consisted of active sites with a geometrical structure, which were different from those created by Pr doping CeO₂. In addition, the Pr doping enhanced the oxygen migration, which resulted in side reactions, consequently, giving a lower selectivity to trans‐3‐penten‐2‐ol.