The synthesis of a series of bifunctional catalysts (1 wt% Pt/W-TUD-1 (Technische Universiteit Delft-1) and 1 wt% Pt/WO₃/TUD-1) with different tungsten loadings (5-30 wt% WO₃) is described. They were characterized using ICP-OES, INAA, N₂ physisorption, XRD and TEM. Their catalytic performance (activity and selectivity) was evaluated in the two-step catalytic synthesis of menthol from citronellal using kinetic analysis. Introducing tungsten during the TUD-1 synthesis results in a high WO₃ dispersion, essential for the acidity of the catalyst. High tungsten dispersion is also critical for the Pt hydrogenation activity. Therefore, high dispersion combined with optimal tungsten loading resulted in the highest catalytic activity. The best performing catalyst was 1 wt% Pt/W-TUD-1 (silicon to tungsten ratio of 30), with the highest yields of menthol (96%).

The production of renewable chemicals is gaining attention over the past few years. The natural resources from which they can be derived in a sustainable way are most abundant in sugars, cellulose and hemi cellulose. These highly functionalized molecules need to be de-functionalized in order to be feedstocks for the chemical industry. A fundamentally different approach to chemistry thus becomes necessary, since the traditionally employed oil-based chemicals normally lack functionality. This new chemical toolbox needs to be designed to guarantee the demands of future generations at a reasonable price. The surplus of functionality in sugars and glycerol consists of alcohol groups. To yield suitable renewable chemicals these natural products need to be defunctionalized by means of dehydroxylation. Here we review the possible approaches and evaluate them from a fundamental chemical aspect. The chapter closes with an outline of the research described in this thesis.