Selective reduction etherification of HMF to 2,5-bis (methoxymethyl) furan over Cu-Co catalyst

The conversion and utilization of biomass platform molecule 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (5-HMF) with high added value has always been a research hotspot. Bifunctional catalyst Cu-Co catalyst prepared by sol-gel method was used to catalyze the hydroetherification of 5-HMF to 2,5- bis (methoxy methyl) furan (BMMF) under mild conditions. The highest yield of BMMF is 85.9% at 130 ℃, 2 MPa H2 and 2 h. Co3O4 species in the bifunctional catalyst provide the Lewis acid site, while Cu2O and Co0 species provide the hydrogenation atmosphere, ultimately achieving one-step reduction etherification of HMF to BMMF.