Photocatalytic Partial Oxidation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-Diformylfuran (DFF) Over a Covalent Triazine Framework in Water

Abstract

Conversion of biomass into high value products via environmentally benign processes remains a challenging task for chemists. Photocatalytic partial oxidation of the biochemical 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF) has attracted much attention as DFF is known to be a pivotal precursor in the biochemical industry. Previously, this reaction has been catalyzed with transition metal based catalytic systems in organic solvents. Herein, we report the use of a covalent triazine framework (CTF) as a highly stable and porous organic photoactive polymer for the photocatalytic partial oxidation of HMF to DFF in water, using molecular oxygen as a green oxidant. The photocatalyst showed high efficiency in affording DFF as the target product with good reusability.