Base free oxidation of 1,6-hexanediol to adipic acid over supported noble metal mono- and bimetallic catalysts

1,6-Hexanediol is an emerging building-block chemical, which may be derived from biomass and can produce adipic acid for the synthesis of polymers. A series of supported Pt, Bi-Pt, Au, Pd, Au-Pd, and Au-Pt catalysts were prepared and evaluated in the aerobic oxidation of 1,6-hexanediol to adipic acid in aqueous solution without the addition of a base or an acid. The influences of various molar ratios of the metals in the bimetallic systems and the support (C, ZrO2) were studied. Under the conditions used, bismuth did not promote the catalytic performance of Pt catalysts. On the other hand, formation of an alloy of Au-Pd or Au-Pt made the catalysts very effective. A yield of adipic acid of ca. 96% was achieved at 70 degrees C under 40 bar of air over the Au-Pt catalyst supported on zirconia with a Au/Pt molar ratio of about 1. Recycling tests revealed the possibility to use the catalyst up to 6 times without significant changes in its catalytic performance.