Efficient oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-diformylfuran using Mn(III)-salen catalysts

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural is efficiently oxidized to 2,5-diformylfuran in 63-89% yield using Mn(III)-salen catalysts and sodium hypochlorite, in a pH 11.3 phosphate buffer-CH2Cl2 biphase system at room temperature. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.