Continuous Flow valorization of furanics: From decarbonylation of 5-Hydroxymethyl-furfural to furfuryl alcohol conversion into valuable oxidative coupling products

This study focuses on the tandem multi-step valorization of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to valuable furanic derivatives using a catalytic process with 10 % Pd/C in continuous flow under mild operating conditions. The results demonstrate the selective conversion of 5-HMF to furfuryl alcohol with yields exceeding 99 % under mild conditions and short times of reaction, subsequently followed by the conversion of furfuryl alcohol to valuable products (imines) via oxidative coupling. This continuous flow approach offers several advantages over batch methods, including the ability to achieve high yields with precise control of parameters such as temperature, pressure, and flow rate, thereby facilitating process optimization and scalability.