Synthesis of ketones from biomass-derived feedstock

Abstract

Cyclohexanone and its derivatives are very important chemicals, which are currently produced mainly by oxidation of cyclohexane or alkylcyclohexane, hydrogenation of phenols, and alkylation of cyclohexanone. Here we report that bromide salt-modified Pd/C in H ₂O/CH ₂Cl ₂ can efficiently catalyse the transformation of aromatic ethers, which can be derived from biomass, to cyclohexanone and its derivatives via hydrogenation and hydrolysis processes. The yield of cyclohexanone from anisole can reach 96%, and the yields of cyclohexanone derivatives produced from the aromatic ethers, which can be extracted from plants or derived from lignin, are also satisfactory. Detailed study shows that the Pd, bromide salt and H ₂O/CH ₂Cl ₂ work cooperatively to promote the desired reaction and inhibit the side reaction. Thus high yields of desired products can be obtained. This work opens the way for production of ketones from aromatic ethers that can be derived from biomass.

Abstract

Conversion of biomass-derived chemicals to industrially relevant products can allow sustainable production of organic compounds. Here the authors report that aromatic ethers, which can be derived for biomass, can be converted into various cyclohexanones via a bromide salt-modified palladium catalyst.