Porphyrin-based porous organic polymer-supported iron(III) catalyst for efficient aerobic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethyl-furfural into 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid

Environmentally friendly and efficient synthesis of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), a polyester building block chemical from biomass, was carried out in water by aerobic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) with highly cross-linked, robust structured, and thermally stable FeIII–porous organic polymer (FeIII–POP-1) material containing basic porphyrin subunits and iron metal center. EPR analysis confirmed that the catalyst retained the oxidation state of Fe(III) after catalysis and can be reused.

Porous organic polymer-loaded FeIII catalyst efficiently oxidized HMF to the corresponding dicarboxylic acid, FDCA, with O2 as the oxidant in aqueous medium. This biorenewable dicarboxylic acid is a promising replacement for petroleum-based terephthalic acid for green polyester production.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (94 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Porous organic polymer-supported Fe(III) catalyst for FDCA production in water.
► Achieved quantitative conversion of HMF with >85% FDCA selectivity.
► The catalyst retained Fe(III) oxidation state after catalysis and hence recyclable.
► Homogeneous Fe(III)–porphyrin catalyst was ineffective under similar conditions.