Carbetos metálicos para a hidrogenólise do 5-Clorometilfurfural a 2,5-Dimetilfurano: um precursor do pxileno verde

Abstract

This work investigates the application of metal-based catalysts in the conversion of biomass-derived platform molecules into higher value-added compounds. The hydrogenolysis of 5-chloromethylfurfural (CMF) and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to produce 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) was studied. DMF is a promising compound both as a biofuel and as an intermediate to produce green p-xylene. CMF stands out as an alternative to HMF due to its easier separation and high yields from different lignocellulosic biomass sources. In this context, palladium supported on carbon (5% Pd/C) and transition metal carbides were evaluated as catalysts, particularly molybdenum carbide (Mo₂C) and tungsten carbide (W₂C), aiming at lower-cost catalytic alternatives compared to noble metals. The catalysts were synthesized and characterized using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), temperature-programmed carburization (TPC), Raman spectroscopy, and CO chemisorption. Catalytic tests were carried out in a reactor under a hydrogen atmosphere, and the reaction products were analyzed by gas chromatography. The results indicate that 5% Pd/C exhibited high catalytic activity for hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) and hydrodechlorination (HDC) reactions, achieving 100% conversion and selectivity higher than 60% toward DMF from both HMF and CMF. Transition metal carbides showed relevant catalytic properties for the HDC reaction of CMF, with selectivity toward the formation of an important intermediate for DMF production.