Palladium Supported on Polystyrene (Pd@PS) for the Catalytic Synthesis of 2,5-Dimethylfuran (2,5-DMF) From Biomass-Derived 5-Chloromethylfurfural (CMF) at Ambient Temperature.

Abstract

2,5-Dimethylfuran (2,5-DMF), a renewable biofuel with promising properties, highlights the importance of biomass conversion as a key strategy for sustainable energy production. In this study, we report a facile synthesis of 2,5-DMF from 5-chloromethylfurfural (CMF) using polymer-supported nano-composite material (Pd@PS) as a catalyst at 35°C in 3 h under a H₂ atmosphere. The developed methodology provides an excellent tentative carbon conversion efficiency percentage (90%), high atom economy (64%), and low environmental factor (E-factor) (1.15, normalized value 50%), indicating sustainability and a green chemistry matrix. These studies also aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 12, contributing to the global transition toward cleaner and more sustainable chemical manufacturing by valorizing biomass-based feedstocks. Additionally, the CMF has been synthesized from raw biomass sources, like banana peel waste, sugarcane bagasse, rice straw, and corn cobs, with yields ranging from 8 to 15 wt% and carbon conversion efficiency (tentative) between 25% and 54%. Furthermore, the developed protocol offered an efficient and scalable process (up to 5.0 g) for the production of biofuel, with superior catalytic activity and high recyclability up to six cycles. Moreover, total turnover and turnover frequency numbers were found to be 59.89 and 59.89 h^-1, respectively.