Biomass into chemicals: One pot-base free oxidative esterification of 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural into 2,5-dimethylfuroate with gold on nanoparticulated ceria

Au-Based Bimetallic Catalysts for Aerobic Oxidation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid under Base-Free Reaction Conditions

The aerobic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) plays a pivotal role in the synthesis of renewable, biodegradable plastics and sustainable chemicals. Although supported gold nanoclusters (NCs) exhibit significant potential in this process, they often suffer from low selectivity. To address this challenge, a series of gold-M (M means Ni, Fe, Cu, and Pd) bimetallic NCs catalysts were designed and synthesized to facilitate the selective oxidation of HMF to FDCA. Our findings indicate that the introduction of doped metals, particularly Ni and Pd, not only improves the reaction rates for HMF tandem oxidation but also promotes high yields of FDCA. Various characterizations techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy of CO adsorption (CO-DRIFTS), and temperature-programmed desorption of oxygen (O2-TPD), were employed to scrutinize the structural and electronic properties of the prepared catalysts. Notably, an electronic effect was observed across the Au-based bimetallic catalysts, facilitating the activation of reactant molecules and enhancing the catalytic performance. This study provides valuable insights into the alloy effects, aiding in the development of highly efficient Au-based bimetallic catalysts for biomass conversions.

Bio-based hyperbranched epoxy resins: synthesis and recycling

Epoxy resins (EPs), accounting for about 70% of the thermosetting resin market, have been recognized as the most widely used thermosetting resins in the world. Nowadays, 90% of the world's EPs are obtained from the bisphenol A (BPA)-based epoxide prepolymer. However, certain limitations severely impede further applications of this advanced material, such as limited fossil-based resources, skyrocketing oil prices, nondegradability, and a "seesaw" between toughness and strength. In recent years, more and more research has been devoted to the preparation of novel epoxy materials to overcome the compromise between toughness and strength and solve plastic waste problems. Among them, the development of bio-based hyperbranched epoxy resins (HERs) is unique and attractive. Bio-based HERs synthesized from bio-derived monomers can be used as a matrix resin or a toughener resulting in partially or fully bio-based epoxy thermosets. The introduction of a hyperbranched structure can balance the strength and toughness of epoxy thermosets. Here, we especially focused on the recent progress in the development of bio-based HERs, including the monomer design, synthesis approaches, mechanical properties, degradation, and recycling strategies. In addition, we advance the challenges and perspectives to engineering application of bio-based HERs in the future. Overall, this review presents an up-to-date overview of bio-based HERs and guidance for emerging research on the sustainable development of EPs in versatile high-tech fields.

Polymers without Petrochemicals: Sustainable Routes to Conventional Monomers

Access to a wide range of plastic materials has been rationalized by the increased demand from growing populations and the development of high-throughput production systems. Plastic materials at low costs with reliable properties have been utilized in many everyday products. Multibillion-dollar companies are established around these plastic materials, and each polymer takes years to optimize, secure intellectual property, comply with the regulatory bodies such as the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals and the Environmental Protection Agency and develop consumer confidence. Therefore, developing a fully sustainable new plastic material with even a slightly different chemical structure is a costly and long process. Hence, the production of the common plastic materials with exactly the same chemical structures that does not require any new registration processes better reflects the reality of how to address the critical future of sustainable plastics. In this review, we have highlighted the very recent examples on the synthesis of common monomers using chemicals from sustainable feedstocks that can be used as a like-for-like substitute to prepare conventional petrochemical-free thermoplastics.

Metal vs. Metal-Free Catalysts for Oxidation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural and Levoglucosenone to Biosourced Chemicals

Lignocellulosic feedstocks, such as forestry biomass and agricultural crop residues, can be utilized to generate biofuels and biochemicals. Converting these organic waste materials into biochemicals is widely regarded as a remedial approach to develop a sustainable, clean, and green energy source. Nevertheless, are these methods sustainable and clean? Prior studies have shown that most such conversions use metals - including heavy metals or noble metals - as catalysts. In addition to the fact that many metals (e. g., aluminum, cobalt, titanium, platinum) have been listed as critical minerals, these methods suffer from high cost, deactivation, and leakage problems and the release of toxic wastes. This Review summarizes catalytic methods using metal and metal-free catalysts for the oxidation of the platform molecules 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and levoglucosenone and demonstrates the potential and effectiveness of metal-free catalysts.

Effective Oxidation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-Diformylfuran by an Acetal Protection Strategy

An acetal protection strategy for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) was used to obtain 2,5-diformyfuran (DFF) using concentrated HMF solutions and a γ-Al₂ O₃ -supported Ru catalyst (Ru/γ-Al₂ O₃ ). The HMF-acetal with 1,3-propanediol can be oxidized to DFF-acetal with a yield of 84.0 % at an HMF conversion of 94.2 % from a 50 wt % solution. In contrast, aerobic oxidation of nonprotected HMF using a 10 wt % solution afforded DFF only in a moderate yield (52.3 %). Kinetic studies indicated that the six-membered ring acetal group not only prevents side reactions but also accelerates aerobic oxidation of the -CH₂ OH moiety to -CHO under retention of the acetal functionality. Organic deposits formed during the reaction explained the significant decrease in the activity of the Ru/γ-Al₂ O₃ catalyst, which could be recovered neither by washing in water or organic solvents, nor by a calcination-reduction treatment. Sonication of the used Ru/γ-Al₂ O₃ catalyst in an aqueous NaOH solution successfully removed the deposits and allowed reuse of the catalyst for at least four times without activity loss.

One-Pot Synthesis of 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid from 2-Furoic Acid by a Pd-catalyzed Bromination-Hydroxycarbonylation Tandem Reaction in Acetate Buffer

The one‐pot synthesis of 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid from 2‐furoic acid with a yield of 57 % was achieved for the first time using a Pd‐catalyzed bromination‐hydroxycarbonylation tandem reaction in HOAc‐NaOAc buffer. This synthetic protocol shows major improvements compared to previously reported methods, such as using biomass‐based 2‐furoic acid as low‐cost raw material, one‐pot synthesis without isolation of intermediate products, and no need for an acidification procedure. Experiments indicate that the involved Xantphos‐modified Pd‐catalyst and the buffer solution play significant promoting roles for each individual reaction whereas Br₂ (as the brominating reagent) had a negative effect on the second hydroxycarbonylation step, while CO was deleterious for the first bromination step. Hence, in this practical one‐pot synthesis, Br₂ should be consumed in the first bromination step as fully as possible, and CO is introduced after the first bromination step has been completed.

Dual-Metal Hetero-Single-Atoms with Different Coordination for Efficient Synergistic Catalysis

Rationally tailoring the coordination environments of metal single atoms (SAs) is an effective approach to promote their catalytic performances, which, however, remains as a challenge to date. Here, we report a novel misplaced deposition strategy for the fabrication of differently coordinated dual-metal hetero-SAs. Systematic characterization results imply that the as-synthesized dual-metal hetero-SAs (exemplified by Cu and Co) are affixed to a hierarchical carbon support via Cu-C₄ and Co-N₄ coordination bonds. Density functional theory studies reveal that the strong synergistic interactions between the asymmetrically deployed CuC₄ and CoN₄ sites lead to remarkably polarized charge distributions, i.e., electron accumulation and deficiency around CuC₄ and CoN₄ sites, respectively. The obtained CuC₄/CoN₄@HC catalyst exhibits significantly enhanced capability in substrate adsorption and O₂ activation, achieving superior catalytic performances in the oxidative esterification of aromatic aldehydes in comparison with the Cu- and Co-based SA counterparts.

Pressure Reduction Enhancing the Production of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural from Glucose in Aqueous Phase Catalysis System

5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) obtained from biomass is an important platform chemical for the next generation of plastics and biofuel production. Although industrialized, the high yield of HMF in aqueous systems was rarely achieved. The main problem is that HMF tends to form byproducts when co-adsorbed with water at acid sites. In this study, the pressure was reduced to improve the maximum yield of HMF from 9.3 to 35.2% (at 190 °C in 60 min) in a glucose aqueous solution. The mechanism here involved water boiling as caused by pressure reduction, which in turn promoted the desorption of HMF from the solid catalyst, thereby inhibiting the side reaction of HMF. Furthermore, the solid catalysts could be reused three times without a significant loss of their catalytic activity. Overall, this work provides an effective strategy to improve the yield of HMF in water over heterogeneous catalysts in practice.

A Multifunctional Au/CeO2-Mg(OH)2 Catalyst for One-Pot Aerobic Oxidative Esterification of Aldehydes with Alcohols to Alkyl Esters

Au nanoparticles bound to crystalline CeO2 nanograins that were dispersed on the nanoplate-like Mg(OH)2, denoted as Au/CeO2-Mg(OH)2, were developed as the highly active and selective multifunctional heterogeneous catalyst for direct oxidative esterification of aldehydes with alcohols to produce alkyl esters under base-free aerobic conditions using oxygen or air as the green oxidants. Au/CeO2-Mg(OH)2 converted 93.3% of methacrylaldehyde (MACR) to methyl methacrylate (MMA, monomer of poly(methyl methacrylate)) with 98.2% selectivity within 1 h, and was repeatedly used over eight recycle runs without regeneration. The catalyst was extensively applied to other aldehydes and alcohols to produce desirable alkyl esters. Comprehensive characterization analyses revealed that the strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) among the three catalytic components (Au, CeO2, and Mg(OH)2), and the proximity and strong contact between Au/CeO2 and the Mg(OH)2 surface were prominent factors that accelerated the reaction toward a desirable oxidative esterification pathway. During the reaction, MACR was adsorbed on the surface of CeO2-Mg(OH)2, upon which methanol was simultaneously activated for esterifying the adsorbed MACR. Hemiacetal-form intermediate species were subsequently produced and oxidized to MMA on the surface of the electron-rich Au nanoparticles bound to partially reduced CeO2-x with electron-donating properties. The present study provides new insights into the design of SMSI-induced supported-metal-nanoparticles for the development of novel, multifunctional, and heterogeneous catalysts.

Study of the Direct CO2 Carboxylation Reaction on Supported Metal Nanoparticles

2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (2,5-FDCA) is a biomass derivate of high importance that is used as a building block in the synthesis of green polymers such as poly(ethylene furandicarboxylate) (PEF). PEF is presumed to be an ideal substitute for the predominant polymer in industry, the poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Current routes for 2,5-FDCA synthesis require 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) as a reactant, which generates undesirable co-products due to the complicated oxidation step. Therefore, direct CO2 carboxylation of furoic acid salts (FA, produced from furfural, derivate of inedible lignocellulosic biomass) to 2,5-FDCA is potentially a good alternative. Herein, we present the primary results obtained on the carboxylation reaction of potassium 2-furoate (K2F) to synthesize 2,5-FDCA, using heterogeneous catalysts. An experimental setup was firstly validated, and then several operation conditions were optimized, using heterogeneous catalysts instead of the semi-heterogeneous counterparts (molten salts). Ag/SiO2 catalyst showed interesting results regarding the K2F conversion and space–time yield of 2,5-FDCA.

Oxidative Esterification of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural into Dimethyl 2,5-Furandicarboxylate Using Gamma Alumina-Supported Gold Nanoparticles

Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) supported on a nanostructured gamma alumina (γ-Al₂O₃) fiber can exhibit excellent catalytic activity for the conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to produce its ester derivative, dimethyl 2,5-furandicarboxylate (FDMC). γ-Al₂O₃ was synthesized using a PEG surfactant to generate oxide fibers that randomly stack together into irregular shapes. The average particle sizes of the Au NPs are 1-6 nm, where the catalytically active Au (111) surface is the exposed facet. This 3D nanocatalyst architecture enhances the 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) oxidative esterification because HMF reactant molecules can readily diffuse into this fibrous structure and adsorb to active catalytic sites, while ester product molecules can diffuse out. Up to 99% HMF conversion and 90% FDMC selectivity can be obtained at a low reaction temperature of 45 °C, and the catalyst shows excellent recyclability. Increasing the Au content in the catalyst minimizes the requirement of a base for HMF conversion. Thus, the Au NPs supported on γ-Al₂O₃ can drive HMF esterification to FDMC efficiently with high product selectivity under very mild reaction conditions, omitting the need for an additional esterification step of the HMF acid.

Ultrafine Copper Oxide Particles Dispersed on Nitrogen-Doped Hollow Carbon Nanospheres for Oxidative Esterification of Biomass-Derived 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural

One-pot synthesis of furan-2,5-dimethylcarboxylate (FDMC) from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is highly demanding for the commercial production of polyethylene furanoate (PEF). Herein, a direct synthesis of FDMC is reported from oxidative esterification of HMF using ultrafine CuO particles dispersed on nitrogen-doped hollow carbon nanospheres (CuO/N-C-HNSs) as a catalyst and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as an oxidizing and methylating reagent. The CuO/N-C-HNSs was prepared through a template protection-sacrifice strategy using SiO₂ as a sacrificial template and histidine as the precursor for N and C. N-doping facilitated a strong interaction between the support and copper species, affording formation of CuO nanoparticles of less than 10 nm in size. By virtue of the highly dispersed CuO nanoparticles and a high BET surface area 373 m² /g, the CuO/N-C-HNSsshows excellent catalytic performance in the selective conversion of HMF into FDMC affording 93 % yield of the desired product with a TON value of 49. Furthermore, the oxidative esterification involving SP³ C-H bond functionalization is also demonstrated using the same catalyst.

Recent catalytic routes for the preparation and the upgrading of biomass derived furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural

Furans represent one of the most important classes of intermediates in the conversion of non-edible lignocellulosic biomass into bio-based chemicals and fuels. At present, bio-furan derivatives are generally obtained from cellulose and hemicellulose fractions of biomass via the acid-catalyzed dehydration of their relative C6-C5 sugars and then converted into a wide range of products. Furfural (FUR) and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) are surely the most used furan-based feedstocks since their chemical structure allows the preparation of various high-value-added chemicals. Among several well-established catalytic approaches, hydrogenation and oxygenation processes have been efficiently adopted for upgrading furans; however, harsh reaction conditions are generally required. In this review, we aim to discuss the conversion of biomass derived FUR and HMF through unconventional (transfer hydrogenation, photocatalytic and electrocatalytic) catalytic processes promoted by heterogeneous catalytic systems. The reaction conditions adopted, the chemical nature and the physico-chemical properties of the most employed heterogeneous systems in enhancing the catalytic activity and in driving the selectivity to desired products are presented and compared. At the same time, the latest results in the production of FUR and HMF through novel environmental friendly processes starting from lignocellulose as well as from wastes and by-products obtained in the processing of biomass are also overviewed.

Formic acid enabled selectivity boosting in transfer hydrogenation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furandimethanol on highly dispersed Co–Nx sites

Catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) reaction is considered as a potential route for upgrading bio-based carbonyl compounds to their corresponding alcohols.

Au-Pd Bimetallic Nanocatalysts Incorporated into Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) for Selective Oxidation of Alkenes and Alcohol

Although supported bimetallic nanoparticles (Au-Pd NPs) demonstrate outstanding efficiency, challenges appear for carbon supported small and stable bimetallic nanoparticles used in liquid-phase reactions. In this work, Au-Pd NPs were supported on two types of carbon nanotubes: CNTs decorated covalently with carboxylic acid groups (O-CNTs) and non-covalently with the conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) polymer (P-CNTs). The Au-Pd NPs were prepared using the sol immobilization approach on the functionalized CNTs, and the effect of the utilized functionalization method on the properties of the immobilized metallic nanoparticles and the performance of the nanocomposite catalysts was investigated. The fabricated nanocomposites were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The catalytic performance of Au-Pd/O-CNTs and Au-Pd/P-CNTs was exploited for the oxidation of both cyclooctene and benzyl alcohol. Oxidation and polymer decoration directly led to an enhancement in the performance of CNTs catalysts. The nanocomposite catalyst with oxidized CNTs (Au-Pd/O-CNTs) was also found to be much more efficient and robust than that with polymer decorated CNTs (Au-Pd/P-CNTs). The enhancement in the oxidation of both cyclooctene and benzyl alcohol on Au-Pd/O-CNTs is attributed to the well-dispersed and smaller Au-Pd NPs as active sites on the surface of O-CNTs as compared to the P-CNTs surface.

Heterogeneous Catalytic Conversion of Sugars Into 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid

Achieving the goal of living in a sustainable and greener society, will need the chemical industry to move away from petroleum-based refineries to bio-refineries. This aim can be achieved by using biomass as the feedstock to produce platform chemicals. A platform chemical, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) has gained much attention in recent years because of its chemical attributes as it can be used to produce green polymers such polyethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate (PEF) that is an alternative to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) produced from fossil fuel. Typically, 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF), an intermediate product of the acid dehydration of sugars, can be used as a precursor for the production of FDCA, and this transformation reaction has been extensively studied using both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts in different reaction media such as basic, neutral, and acidic media. In addition to the use of catalysts, conversion of HMF to FDCA occurs in the presence of oxidants such as air, O2, H2O2, and t-BuOOH. Among them, O2 has been the preferred oxidant due to its low cost and availability. However, due to the low stability of HMF and high processing cost to convert HMF to FDCA, researchers are studying the direct conversion of carbohydrates and biomass using both a single- and multi-phase approach for FDCA production. As there are issues arising from FDCA purification, much attention is now being paid to produce FDCA derivatives such as 2, 5-furandicarboxylic acid dimethyl ester (FDCDM) to circumvent these problems. Despite these technical barriers, what is pivotal to achieve in a cost-effective manner high yields of FDCA and derivatives, is the design of highly efficient, stable, and selective multi-functional catalysts. In this review, we summarize in detail the advances in the reaction chemistry, catalysts, and operating conditions for FDCA production from sugars and carbohydrates.

Oxidation of lignocellulosic platform molecules to value-added chemicals using heterogeneous catalytic technologies

This minireview gives an overview about heterogeneous catalytic technologies for the oxidation of key platform molecules (glucose, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural and levulinic acid) into valuable chemicals.

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in Organic Synthesis: A Review of its Recent Applications Towards Fine Chemicals

Background:

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) is a biomass-derived platform chemical, which can be produced from carbohydrates. In the past decades, 5- HMF has received tremendous attention because of its wide applications in the production of various value-added chemicals, materials and biofuels. The manufacture and the catalytic conversion of 5-HMF to simple industrially-important bulk chemicals have been well reviewed. However, employing 5-HMF as a building block in organic synthesis has never been summarized exclusively, despite the rapid development in this area.

Objective:

The aim of this review is to bring a fresh perspective on the use of 5-HMF in organic synthesis, to the exclusion of already well documented conversion of 5-HMF towards relatively simple molecules such as 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid, 2,5-dimethylfuran and so on notably used as monomers or biofuels.

Conclusion:

As it has been shown throughout this review, 5-HMF has been the object of numerous studies on its use in fine chemical synthesis. Thanks to the presence of different functional groups on this platform chemical, it proved to be an excellent starting material for the preparation of various fine chemicals. The use of this C-6 synthon in novel synthetic routes is appealing, as it allows the incorporation of renewable carbonsources into the final targets.