Synthesis of glucuronic acid from methyl glucoside by heterogeneous selective catalytic oxidation

Pd/CuO–Ce0.5Mn0.5O2 was prepared and applied to the synthesis of glucuronic acid and glucuronolactone by selective catalytic oxidation from methyl glucoside. The supports and corresponding catalyst were characterized by XRD, SEM and XPS. The influence of different CuO-doping content of supports on the structure of catalyst and the yield of target products were discussed. The results showed that the supports composed of Cu–Ce–Mn complexing metal oxides could improve the redox ability of the Pd active component due to the synergistic effect of different metals. Under the conditions of 0.5% Pd and 9% CuO, the Pd/CuO–Ce0.5Mn0.5O2 catalyst exhibited good activity and selectivity, and the total yield of glucuronic acid and glucuronolactone was 90%.

• Methyl glucoside was oxidized to glucuronic acid with high selectivity.
• The Pd/CuO–Ce0.5Mn0.5O2 catalyst is active and selective for the oxidation of the primary alcohol from methyl glycoside.
• CuO doping improves oxygen adsorption on the catalyst as well as the redox ability of the catalyst.