One-Pot Conversion of Cellulose into 2,5-Hexanedione in H<sub>2</sub>O-Tetrahydrofuran Co-Solvents
Ning Shi, Tianlang Zhu, Hongyan Zhang, Hongsheng Huang, Liang Zhou, Ying Liu, Riyang Shu
Abstract
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Catalytic conversion of cellulose into the novel platform molecule 2,5-hexanedione (HXD) is regarded as one feasible approach for high-value utilization of biomass resources. Here, we reported one efficient way of one-pot conversion of cellulose into HXD with high yield of 80.3% in H 2 O and tetrahydrofuran (THF) mixture within Al 2 (SO 4 ) 3 combined with Pd/C as a catalyst. In the catalytic reaction system, Al 2 (SO 4 ) 3 could catalyze the conversion of cellulose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), and Pd/C combined with Al 2 (SO 4 ) 3 could catalyze the hydrogenolysis of HMF into furanic intermediates such as 5-methylfurfuryl alcohol and 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) without causing over-hydrogenation of these furanic intermediates. These furanic intermediates were finally transformed into HXD catalyzed by Al 2 (SO 4 ) 3 . Besides, the H 2 O/THF ratio could significantly influence the reactivity of the hydrolytic furanic ring-opening of the furanic intermediates. The catalytic system also showed excellent performance on the conversion of other carbohydrates (glucose and sucrose) into HXD.