Efficient and selective oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural catalyzed by metal porphyrin supported by alkaline lignin: Solvent optimization and catalyst loading

Abstract Cobalt (II)-meso-tetra(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin supported by deprotected lignin was synthesized through the covalent linkage between carboxy groups in the porphyrin and hydroxyl groups in the lignin. The resulting supporting catalysts were applied in the selective oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. Through solvent optimization, 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid and 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid could be selectively obtained. Steric effect of lignin prevented unwanted aggregation-caused quenching, avoiding catalyst deactivation. Thus, supported catalysts displayed better catalytic efficiency compared free metal porphyrin catalyst. Unlike the excessive use of sodium hydroxide in the oxidation of HMF catalyzed by metal catalysts, an equivalent amount of sodium hydroxide was used in this oxidation process. Meanwhile, lower activation energy was detected when metal porphyrin supported by deprotected lignin was used. By adjusting the pH in the reaction, supported catalysts could be reused. The catalytic activity remained stable during the recycling experiments.