Photocatalytic conversion of sugars to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural using aluminium(III) and fulvic acid

5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a valuable and essential platform chemical for establishing a sustainable, eco-friendly fine-chemical and pharmaceutical industry based on biomass. The cost-effective production of HMF from abundant C6 sugars requires mild reaction temperatures and efficient catalyst...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Nature communications 2023-08, Vol.14 (1), p.4609-4609, Article 4609
Main Authors: Tana, Tana, Han, Pengfei, Brock, Aidan J., Mao, Xin, Sarina, Sarina, Waclawik, Eric R., Du, Aijun, Bottle, Steven E., Zhu, Huai-Yong
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
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140/131
140/58
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639/638/77
Acids
Aluminum
Catalysts
Catalytic activity
Catechol
Chemical industry
Conversion
Fulvic acids
Glucose
Humanities and Social Sciences
Hydroxymethylfurfural
Ions
multidisciplinary
Pharmaceutical industry
Photocatalysis
Pyrogallol
Science
Science (multidisciplinary)
Sugar
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Summary:5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a valuable and essential platform chemical for establishing a sustainable, eco-friendly fine-chemical and pharmaceutical industry based on biomass. The cost-effective production of HMF from abundant C6 sugars requires mild reaction temperatures and efficient catalysts from naturally abundant materials. Herein, we report how fulvic acid forms complexes with Al 3+ ions that exhibit solar absorption and photocatalytic activity for glucose conversion to HMF in one-pot reaction, in good yield (~60%) and at moderate temperatures (80 °C). When using representative components of fulvic acid, catechol and pyrogallol as ligands, 70 and 67% HMF yields are achieved, respectively, at 70 °C. Al 3+ ions are not recognised as effective photocatalysts; however, complexing them with fulvic acid components as light antennas can create new functionality. This mechanism offers prospects for new green photocatalytic systems to synthesise a range of substances that have not previously been considered. 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is an essential platform chemical for developing a sustainable fine-chemical industry but cost-effective production of HMF requires mild reaction temperatures and efficient catalysts. Here, the authors report a fulvic acid Al complex with photocatalytic activity under sunlight for glucose conversion to HMF in one-pot reaction with good yield.
ISSN:2041-1723
2041-1723
DOI:10.1038/s41467-023-40090-7