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.

Graphical abstractPorous 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 full-size imageDownload 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.