Study on the reaction pathway in decarbonylation of biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural over Pd-based catalyst

• An extensive product distribution is firstly examined in decarbonylation of HMF.
• The H2 source was determined to be the hydroxymethyl dehydrogenation.
• The elimination path of CH2OH is sequential dehydrogenation and decarbonylation.
• The reactivity of the main intermediates was separately investigated.
• A comprehensive reaction pathway for HMF decarbonylation is proposed.

An extensive product distribution is firstly examined in the process of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) decarbonylation over Pd-based catalysts and some interesting results are obtained. The main side reactions are due to the high activity of the furan ring-branched hydroxymethyl, which could go through hydrogenolysis, dehydrogenation and etherification. The H2 source was carefully explored and determined to be the hydroxymethyl dehydrogenation. The reactivity of the main intermediates was separately investigated and their evolution pathway was obtained. Noticeably, it is demonstrated that the elimination of the furanic ring-branched hydroxymethyl (in HMF or furfuryl alcohol) is completed by sequential dehydrogenation and decarbonylation via the intermediate of aldehyde (2, 5-diformylfuran or furfural). A comprehensive reaction pathway for HMF decarbonylation is proposed, which is significant for designing highly selective decarbonylation catalysts.

Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (84 K)Download as PowerPoint slide