A Scalable Upgrading of Concentrated Furfural in Ethanol: Combining Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley Reduction with in Situ Cross Aldol Condensation

Currently, the catalytic upgrade of biomass-derived platform molecules into valuable chemicals is of great interest. In this work, an integrated route for upgrading concentrated furfural (17.3-80.5 wt %) in ethanol through the combination of Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley reduction with in situ cross aldol condensation is developed, and the two valuable products, furfuryl alcohol and 3-(2-furyl)acrolein, are highly selectively obtained by using Zr-beta zeolite as Lewis acid catalyst and alkali metal carbonate as base catalyst. It is found that the efficient match of the two types of reactions plays a key role in upgrading furfural in this integrated process. Under optimal conditions, the highest conversion and mass conversion rate of furfural can reach up to 84.9% and 95.3 g.L-1.h(-1) respectively. This process also provides efficient separation of the two products by making use of their distinct solubilities in water.