Selective hydrogenolysis of 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural over Pd/C catalyst to 2,5-dimethylfuran

Several metal supported catalysts were prepared and evaluated for 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (5-HMF) hydrogenolysis to 2,5-dimethylfuran (2,5-DMF) which is a renewable potential fuel additive. Among the prepared catalysts, 3%Pd/C showed excellent performance in terms of complete conversion of 5-HMF along with the highest selectivity of 99% to 2,5-DMF. Detailed physico-chemical characterisation was done in order to understand structure-activity correlation. Uniformly dispersed Pd nanoparticles on activated carbon provided the adsorption surface to enhance the hydrogenation of 5-HMF. Reaction was well optimised and established by extensive study of different reaction parameters like temperature, pressure, reaction time, stirring effect, substrate loading and metal loading.