Direct Catalytic Conversion of Ethanol to C Ketones: Role of Pd-Zn Alloy on Catalytic Activity and Stability.

Ethanol can be used as a platform molecule for synthesizing valuable chemicals and fuel precursors. Direct synthesis of C ketones, building blocks for lubricants and hydrocarbon fuels, from ethanol was achieved over a stable Pd-promoted ZnO-ZrO catalyst. The sequence of reaction steps involved in the C ketone formation from ethanol was determined.