Highly Selective Transfer Hydrogenation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-Bis(hydroxymethyl)furan over Copper Oxide/Magnesium Oxide Catalysts

Key Points

• The aim is to explore the selective conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan using a copper oxide/magnesium oxide catalyst.
• Synthesis of a non-precious CuO/MgO catalyst.
• Investigation of transfer hydrogenation conditions.
• Evaluation of product selectivity and yield.
• The CuO/MgO catalyst showed high selectivity for 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan.
• The conversion rate of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural was significantly improved.
• Potential applications in biodegradable polyester production were discussed.