Synthesis of a Sulfonated Two-Dimensional Covalent Organic Framework as an Efficient Solid Acid Catalyst for Biobased Chemical Conversion

Because of limited framework stability tolerance, denovo synthesis of sulfonated covalent organic frameworks (COFs) remains challenging and unexplored. Herein, a sulfonated two-dimensional crystalline COF, termed TFP-DABA, was synthesized directly from 1,3,5-triformylphloroglucinol and 2,5-diaminobenzenesulfonic acid through a previously reported Schiff base condensation reaction, followed by irreversible enol-to-keto tautomerization, which strengthened its structural stability. TFP-DABA is a highly efficient solid acid catalyst for fructose conversion with remarkable yields (97% for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and 65% for 2,5-diformylfuran), good chemoselectivity, and good recyclability. The present study sheds light on the denovo synthesis of sulfonated COFs as novel solid acid catalysts for biobased chemical conversion.