Reduction of O/C ratio of lignin derived monomers via hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) pathway is conventionally furnished using molecular hydrogen under severe conditions. Nonetheless, due to a prerequisite to accomplish HDO through commercially attractive methodology we report, HDO reactions of various phenolic compounds via catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) pathway using very low loading of Ru (0.5 wt%) on neutral and acidic Al2O3 under nitrogen atmosphere. With guaiacol as a substrate, 74% cyclohexanol yield at 225 degrees C in the presence of IPA is realized. Bi-functionality of metal state, acidity of support and nature of alcohol are perceived to be responsible for the variation in activity.

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