Synthesis of Renewable Triketones, Diketones, and Jet-Fuel Range Cycloalkanes with 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural and Ketones

A series of renewable C-9-C-12 triketones with repeating [COCH2CH2] units were synthesized in high carbon yields (ca. 90%) by the aqueous-phase hydrogenation of the aldol-condensation products of 5-hydroxylmethylfurfural (HMF) and ketones over an Au/TiO2 catalyst. Compared with the reported routes, this new route has many advantages such as being environmentally friendly, having fewer steps, using a cheaper and reusable catalyst, etc. The triketones as obtained can be used as feedstocks in the production of conducting or semi-conducting polymers. Through a solvent-free intramolecular aldol condensation over solid-base catalysts, the triketones were selectively converted to diketones, which can be used as intermediates in the synthesis of useful chemicals or polymers. As another application, the tri-and diketones can also be utilized as precursors for the synthesis of jet-fuel range branched cycloalkanes with low freezing points (224-248 K) and high densities (ca. 0.81 gmL(-1)).