MnCo2O4 spinel supported ruthenium catalyst for air-oxidation of HMF to FDCA under aqueous phase and base-free conditions

Abstract

A new class of MnCo₂O₄ spinel supported Ru catalyst, Ru/MnCo₂O₄, was exploited to afford the highest yield of FDCA (99.1%) from base-free air-oxidation of HMF in water. The catalyst Ru/MnCo₂O₄ having both Lewis and Brønsted acidic active sites greatly enhanced the FDCA yield. The catalyst was recyclable up to five successive runs without considerable loss of its original activity.