A Divergent Paired Electrochemical Process for the Conversion of Furfural Using a Divided‐Cell Flow Microreactor

Abstract

Furfural is a prominent, non‐petroleum‐based chemical feedstock material, derived from abundantly available hemicellulose. Hence, its derivatization into other useful biobased chemicals is a subject of high interest in contemporary academic and industrial research activities. While most strategies to convert furfural require energy‐intensive reaction routes, the use of electrochemical activation allows to provide a sustainable and green alternative. Herein, a disparate approach for the conversion of furfural is reported based on a divergent paired electrochemical conversion, enabling the simultaneous production of 2(5 H )‐furanone via an anodic oxidation, and the generation of furfuryl alcohol and/or hydrofuroin via a cathodic reduction. Using water as solvent and NaBr as supporting electrolyte and electron‐mediator, a green and sustainable process was developed, which maximizes productive use of electricity and minimizes byproduct formation.

Efficient Electrocatalytic Upgradation of Furan-Based Biomass: Key Roles of a Two-Dimensional Mesoporous Poly(m-phenylenediamine)-Graphene Heterostructure and a Ternary Electrolyte

“…Previous studies reported that furfural electrooxidation can generate HCOOH. 27,44 Impressively, the selectivity of HCOOH reached over 97%, while record-high FE (98.2%) and selectivity (93.1%) of HFO were also achieved at an optimal potential of 2.45 V vs NHE in our system (Figure 4a). The cycling performance testing proved the excellent catalytic stability of meso-PA/PmPD/GO in the oxidation of furfural to HFO (Figure 4b).…”

Electrochemical Radiofluorination of Small Molecules: New Advances

“… Schematic representation of a divided‐cell flow microreactor design using an ion‐exchange membrane to separate the anodic and the cathodic electrolysis half‐cells. Reproduced with permission from reference [46] . Wiley 2021.…”

A perspective on automated advanced continuous flow manufacturing units for the upgrading of biobased chemicals toward pharmaceuticals

“…Unfortunately, it often suffers from a series of drawbacks in batch which lead to long reaction times as well as intricate conditions and side-products. The main drawbacks of electrochemistry can be in part mitigated under continuous flow conditions, as highlighted by seminal contributions from the Noël and Kappe groups, including for the preparation of APIs and relevant scaffolds [51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58]. An exemple from Noël's group is illustrated hereafter, where the authors provided an unprecedented continuous electrochemical protocol for upgrading biobased furfural 43 simultaneously into three industrially relevant molecules: Fig.…”