Iron-catalyzed selective oxidation of 5-hydroxylmethylfurfural in air: A facile synthesis of 2,5-diformylfuran at room temperature

An iron(III)-catalyzed selective oxidation of 5-HMF to 2,5-DFF in air at room temperature was developed. This approach gives 2,5-DFF with good selectivity and yields. Additionally, a two-step process was developed for the oxidation of 2,5-DFF to 2,5-FDCA at remarkably high substrate concentrations. This work demonstrates unequivocally the great potential of iron as a cheap and earth-abundant catalyst for the development of new protocols for the conversion of biomass to value-added chemicals.

Graphical abstractAn iron(III)-catalyzed selective oxidation of 5-HMF to 2,5-DFF in air at room temperature was developed. This work demonstrates unequivocally the great potential of iron as a cheap and earth-abundant catalyst for the development of new protocols for the conversion of biomass to value-added chemicals.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide