Catalytic oxidation of glycerol to tartronic acid over Au/HY catalyst under mild conditions

Gold nanoclusters or nanoparticles on various supports (CeO2, activated carbon, HY, REY, and NaY) were investigated for glycerol oxidation in the aqueous phase under mild conditions. Compared with other catalysts, Au/HY showed remarkable catalytic performance in forming dicarboxylic acid (tartronic acid) over the monocarboxylic acid (glyceric acid) or the C–C cleavage product (oxalic acid). Au/HY achieved 98% conversion of glycerol and 80% yield of tartronic acid at 60 °C under 0.3 MPa O2. Further characterization showed that the small size of Au clusters is the key factor for the high oxidation performance. In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that glycerol was first transformed to glyceric acid, and then glyceric acid was directly oxidized to tartronic acid.

Graphical AbstractTartronic acid has been produced as the dominant product in glycerol oxidation over Au/HY catalyst. Real-time in situ FT-IR showed that glycerol was first oxidized to glyceric acid and then to tartronic acid.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide