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A Divergent Paired Electrochemical Process for the Conversion of Furfural Using a Divided‐Cell Flow Microreactor
Author(s) -
Cao Yiran,
Knijff Jasper,
Delparish Amin,
d'Angelo Maria Fernanda Neira,
Noёl Timothy
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
chemsuschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.412
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1864-564X
pISSN - 1864-5631
DOI - 10.1002/cssc.202002833
Subject(s) - furfural , furfuryl alcohol , electrochemistry , microreactor , chemistry , green chemistry , anode , chemical engineering , raw material , organic chemistry , catalysis , ionic liquid , electrode , engineering
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.