Reductive etherification of furfural via hydrogenolysis with Pd-modified aluminum phosphate and formic acid

Abstract

Practical and versatile one-pot synthesis of alkyl furanic ethers is achieved in 92–99% yield from furfural with Pd nanoparticles supported on aluminum phosphate as catalyst in various primary alcohols (C₂–C₆) using formic acid as a hydrogen donor. The reductive etherification of furfural occurs via acetalization and subsequent hydrogenolysis.