Sulfonic polymer catalysts for converting of furfural to high-value chemicals

Furfural (FF) is an important precursor material used for producing high-value chemicals. Here, we have developed sulfonated porous polymers catalysts with tunable surface area and acidity for converting FF to C4 chemicals. The performance of the obtained catalysts was studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption–​desorption, CHNS elemental analysis, and acid–​base titration. The influence of various reaction conditions including reaction temperature, reaction time, and catalyst dosage on the oxidation of FF was systematically investigated. It was found that the physicochemical properties of catalysts had remarkable effects on the selectivity of C4 products. Given the higher surface area and acidity, P-2.0-SO3H provided a relative high activity that about 79% C4 chemicals yield accompany with 53% C4 dicarboxylic acid and 26% 2(5H)-furanone selectivity were achieved at 80°C for 12 h. Finally, the corresponding reaction mechanism was discussed.