Photocatalytic conversion of sugars to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural using aluminium(III) and fulvic acid

Tana Tana, Pengfei Han (), Aidan J. Brock, Xin Mao, Sarina Sarina, Eric R. Waclawik, Aijun Du, Steven E. Bottle and Huai-Yong Zhu ()
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Tana Tana: Inner Mongolia Minzu University
Pengfei Han: Queensland University of Technology
Aidan J. Brock: Queensland University of Technology
Xin Mao: Queensland University of Technology
Sarina Sarina: Queensland University of Technology
Eric R. Waclawik: Queensland University of Technology
Aijun Du: Queensland University of Technology
Steven E. Bottle: Queensland University of Technology
Huai-Yong Zhu: Queensland University of Technology

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a valuable and essential platform chemical for establishing a sustainable, eco-friendly fine-chemical and pharmaceutical industry based on biomass. The cost-effective production of HMF from abundant C6 sugars requires mild reaction temperatures and efficient catalysts from naturally abundant materials. Herein, we report how fulvic acid forms complexes with Al3+ ions that exhibit solar absorption and photocatalytic activity for glucose conversion to HMF in one-pot reaction, in good yield (~60%) and at moderate temperatures (80 °C). When using representative components of fulvic acid, catechol and pyrogallol as ligands, 70 and 67% HMF yields are achieved, respectively, at 70 °C. Al3+ ions are not recognised as effective photocatalysts; however, complexing them with fulvic acid components as light antennas can create new functionality. This mechanism offers prospects for new green photocatalytic systems to synthesise a range of substances that have not previously been considered.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40090-7

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