Catalytic oxidation reactions of furan and hydrofuran compounds 9.* characteristics and synthetic possibilities of the reaction of furan with aqueous hydrogen peroxide in the presence of compounds of niobium (ii) and (v)

The effect of the catalytic characteristics of compounds of niobium(II) and (V) on the duration and the composition of the products during the oxidation of furfural by aqueous hydrogen peroxide was studied. It was established that the process is intermediate in its main characteristics between reactions of the compounds taking place under the conditions of autocatalysis by the acids that are formed and in the presence of the vanadium compounds. The main product of the reaction is 2(5H)-furanone. A method is proposed for its production with yields of up to 60%.