Reductive etherification of furfural via hydrogenolysis with Pd-modified aluminum phosphate and formic acid

Practical and versatile one-pot synthesis of alkyl furanic ethers is achieved in 92-99% yield from furfural with Pd nanoparticles supported on aluminum phosphate as catalyst in various primary alcohols (C-2-C-6) using formic acid as a hydrogen donor. The reductive etherification of furfural occurs via acetalization and subsequent hydrogenolysis.

Automated summary

In this study, a practical and versatile one-pot synthesis of alkyl furanic ethers was achieved using Pd nanoparticles supported on aluminum phosphate as catalyst. The reaction yielded 92-99% of the desired product from furfural in various primary alcohols with formic acid as a hydrogen donor.