The effect of Mg(OH)2 on furfural oxidation with H2O2

The oxidation of furfural in H 2 O 2 and H 2 O 2 –Mg(OH) 2 system were systematically investigated and a rational explanation for the reaction mechanism was proposed. 2-formyloxyfuran, from selective oxidation of HC O group in furfural, was a crucial intermediate. The addition of Mg(OH) 2 suppressed the oxidation of furan ring of furfural and enhanced selectivities of 2(5H)-furanone (44.8%) and succinic acid (38.0%). FT-IR, Gaussian calculation and experimental results indicated that the process of furfural oxidation with H 2 O 2 is homogeneous, and the synergy between dissolved Mg 2   + cations and OH − ions facilitates the HOO − attacking the carbon atom of HC O other than the C C bound of furan ring.