Emerging catalytic processes for the production of adipic acid

Research efforts to find more sustainable pathways for the synthesis of adipic acid have led to the introduction of new catalytic processes for producing this commodity chemical from alternative resources. With a focus on the performance of oxygen and hydrogen peroxide as preferred oxidants, this minireview summarizes recent advances made in the selective oxidation of cyclohexene, cyclohexane, cyclohexanone and n-hexane to adipic acid. Special attention is paid to the exploration of catalytic pathways involving lignocellulosic biomass-derived chemicals such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, D-glucose, γ-valerolactone and compounds representative of lignin and lignin-derived bio-oils.