A new approach for the production of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid by in situ oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural starting from fructose

The production of 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) starting with fructose as substrate via acid-catalyzed formation and subsequent oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) was investigated. It was shown that an effective separation of the oxidation catalyst from fructose in combination with extraction and derivatization of formed HMF in methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) leads to formation of FDCA as final product. Two systems were developed to realize the concept, one by phase separation with a membrane, the other by encapsulating the oxidation catalyst in silicone beads.