Coupled Dehydration and Hydrogenation Catalysis for One-Pot Conversion of Saccharides into High-Value Furanic Compounds

Abstract

The sustainable conversion of carbohydrates into furanic compounds (e.g., 2,5-dimethylfuran, 2-methylfuran and furfuryl alcohol) through coupled dehydration and hydrogenation represents a pivotal route for biomass valorization. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in catalytic systems enabling the tandem dehydration of carbohydrates and selective hydrogenation of intermediates to target furanic compounds. Key focus areas include the design of multifunctional catalysts (e.g., acid-metal bifunctional sites, porous frameworks), solvent effects, and modulation of reaction pathways to mitigate side reactions. Mechanistic insights into substrate-catalyst interactions, hydrogen transfer dynamics, and stability challenges are critically discussed. Furthermore, techno-economic barriers and scalability of integrated processes are analyzed, highlighting the balance between catalytic efficiency and sustainability. By bridging gaps in fundamental understanding and industrial applicability, this work provides a roadmap for optimizing coupled dehydration-hydrogenation systems to achieve high-yield, energy-efficient furan production from renewable feedstocks.