Organic radical functionalized SBA-15 as a heterogeneous catalyst for facile oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-diformylfuran

•TEMPO-SBA-15 was prepared via silanization of organosilane-functionalized TEMPO.•Highly selective 5-HMF oxidation to 2,5-DFF over heterogeneous TEMPO-SBA-15.•TEMPO-SBA-15 exhibited excellent recyclability without loss in catalytic activity.

Organic radical functionalized mesoporous silica was prepared by the immobilization of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO) on ordered mesoporous silica (SBA-15) and applied as a heterogeneous catalyst (TEMPO-SBA-15) for the synthesis of 2,5-diformylfuran (2,5-DFF) from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF). A 73 % 2,5-DFF yield was obtained from 5-HMF oxidation under mild reaction conditions in ethyl acetate with the addition of [bis(acetoxy) iodo]benzene (BAIB) and acetic acid as co-oxidants in an oxygen-rich environment. The presence of BAIB and oxygen facilitated the in-situ regeneration of TEMPO (the hydroxylamine form) whereas acetic acid addition aided in the initial formation of oxoammonium form of TEMPO, which was responsible for facile 5-HMF oxidation. All reaction components were found critical in maximizing the 2,5-DFF yield. The pore size distribution and architecture of SBA-15 played essential roles for the diffusive transport of reactants and products and resulted in improved reaction selectivity. Aside from these advantages, TEMPO-SBA-15 catalyst was easily separated and re-used several times with negligible loss in its catalytic activity. The prepared heterogeneous TEMPO-SBA-15 is an efficient catalyst that offers a sustainable route for 2,5-DFF production.

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