Application of metal–carbon catalysts in conversions of lower aliphatic alcohols

Various carbon materials including carbon nanotubes and graphitised nanofibres used as supports in heterogeneous catalysis are considered. The methods for modification of catalysts and the results obtained as applied to three important processes of organic synthesis, viz., conversions of methanol into methyl formate, of ethanol into acetaldehyde and of isopropyl alcohol into acetone, are analysed.