Catalytic process for the production of 1,2-propanediol from crude glycerol stream

The present invention refers to a catalytic process for converting the byproduct stream of biodiesel production into valuable chemical products. The process describes a method for hydrogenating glycerol leading to the production of the industrially important chemical 1,2-propanediol, without the need of external hydrogen source. More specifically, hydrogen is formed mostly by the reaction of methanol and water, which constitutes the crude glycerol stream, and in situ consumed by glycerol to form 1,2-propylene glycol. Both the formation of hydrogen and its subsequent consumption by glycerol to form 1,2-propanediol are carried out by using the same apparatus, conditions and catalyst. The catalyst comprises either a supported metal selected from the Group VIII, preferably platinum, or a bulk catalyst consisting of a metal selected from the IB Group of metals, preferably copper and two oxidic components, such as zinc oxide and aluminum oxide.