Biobased C6-Furans in Organic Synthesis and Industry: Cycloaddition Chemistry as a Key Approach to Aromatic Building Blocks

Rapid development in the area of cellulose biomass conversion to furanic platform chemicals has led to expectations of their valuable practical use. Impressive research progress in this direction has resulted in several achievements but at the same time identified a key challenge-the necessity to produce aromatic compounds. In this perspective, we analyze the current stage of development of the furanics-to-benzene conversion process (F2B process) in connection with a bioderived route to aromatic compounds. Cycloaddition reactions between bioderived C6-furans as diene components and alkene/alkyne units are discussed in detail, followed by considering the subsequent aromatization reaction. Progress in the development of the F2B process and future challenges are outlined in this perspective. The key role of the F2B process in the overall biomass to aromatics transformation is discussed in view of the implementation of carbon neutral sustainable technologies in practice.

Automated summary

The article discusses the current progress in converting cellulose biomass into valuable furanic platform chemicals, highlighting the key challenge of producing aromatic compounds and analyzing the development and future challenges of the F2B process.