Sustainable routes for the synthesis of a nitrogen-containing furan derivative, 3-acetamido-5-acetylfuran

Abstract

Furans serve as vital intermediates for converting biomass into fine chemicals and advanced fuels. Notably, 3-acetamido-5-acetylfuran (3A5AF), a nitrogen-containing furan derivative, holds significant promise for producing various high-value nitrogen-containing chemicals. Chitin, the second most abundant biomass on Earth, can be hydrolyzed into N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), which can then be dehydrated to produce 3A5AF. The utilization of renewable chitin biomass as a feedstock offers distinct advantages over traditional petrochemical synthesis methods, in achieving high selectivity for 3A5AF while adhering to the principles of green chemistry. This review provides the first comprehensive summary and outlook on the research surrounding the conversion of biomass to 3A5AF. It systematically describes the various catalytic systems required for each reaction step, as well as the effects of numerous reaction parameters on these catalytic systems. A key focus of this review is on the necessity of developing an integrated one-pot reaction process that effectively couples chitin hydrolysis with GlcNAc dehydration, enabling the economically viable and efficient production of 3A5AF under mild and straightforward conditions. Such advancements not only promise to enhance the synthetic efficiency of this valuable compound but also align with sustainable practices in green chemistry, thereby fostering further innovation in biomass utilization and value-added chemical production. The insights and findings compiled in this review aim to catalyze future research efforts and stimulate progress in this crucial area of green chemical engineering.