Advances in Diels-Alder/aromatization of biomass furan derivatives towards renewable aromatic hydrocarbons

The effective upgrading of renewable resources into high value-added chemicals is of great significance to achieve sustainable economic development as well as the practical implementation of carbon neutral technologies. Diels-Alder (DA)/aromatization of biobased furan derivatives is being deemed as a major alternative to the process of producing petroleum-based chemicals from fossil carbon, given the high selectivity and efficient conversion of carbon atoms during the DA reaction. This mini-review focuses on the state-of-the-art progress regarding the DA strategy of bio-based furans. Of particular interest is to describe the research developments and future challenges in the production of renewable aromatic hydrocarbons by DA/aromatization of furan derivatives (furan, 2-methylfuran (MF), 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF), furfural (FF), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and alkenes/alkynes, among many others. The effect of substituent properties on the reactivity of furan dienes in the cycloaddition process is discussed in detail, followed by analyzing the activation strategy of electron-poor furan derivatives (FF and HMF) as a diene in the DA reaction. Considering the experimental and calculation results, the DA/aromatization mechanisms of bioderived furan derivatives are also further depicted with paramount importance for acquiring an in-depth understanding while emphasizing the dominant existing challenges and future perspectives.

Automated summary

The effective upgrading of renewable resources into high value-added chemicals through Diels-Alder (DA)/aromatization is important for sustainable economic development and the practical implementation of carbon neutral technologies. This mini-review focuses on the state-of-the-art progress in the DA strategy of bio-based furans, discussing the research developments and future challenges in the production of renewable aromatic hydrocarbons. The effects of substituent properties on the reactivity of furan dienes and the activation strategy of electron-poor furan derivatives in the DA reaction are also analyzed. The DA/aromatization mechanisms of bioderived furan derivatives are further depicted to provide an in-depth understanding.