Catalytic conversion of sugars to methyl lactate over Mg-MOF-74 in near-critical methanol solutions

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising heterogeneous catalysts for biomass conversion to useful chemicals. In this work, four M-MOF-74s (Co, Ni, Mg, Zn) were synthesized at room temperature. Among these, Mg-MOF-74 exhibited the best catalytic activity for conversion of sugars to methyl lactate. A final product yield of methyl lactate from glucose of 35% was achieved with complete conversion of glucose at optimal reaction conditions. Catalytic performance of conversion of five sugars to methyl lactate over Mg-MOF-74 was studied, a product yield of 47% were obtained from sucrose. Mg-MOF-74 catalyst has shown to be reusable for at least three cycles.