Selective aerobic oxidation of furfural to maleic anhydride with heterogeneous Mo–V–O catalysts

Abstract

A heterogeneous catalytic system using binary Mo–V metal oxides as catalysts was demonstrated for the selective aerobic oxidation of furfural to maleic anhydride (MA). Aspects such as the solvent for the reaction, the phase composition and the Mo/V ratio for the catalyst, and other reaction conditions were investigated in detail. Up to 65% yield of MA was achieved over the Mo₄VO₁₄ catalyst in an acetic acid solvent under optimal conditions. The catalyst could be recycled. The reaction mechanism and the role of the acetic acid solvent were also discussed.