Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenolysis/Hydrogenation of Biomass-Derived 5-Formyloxymethylfurfural to 2, 5-Dimethylfuran Over Ni–Cu Bimetallic Catalyst with Formic Acid As a Hydrogen Donor

Compared to biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), 5-formyloxymethylfurfural (FMF) is highly potential as feedstock to produce 2, 5-dimethylfuran (DMF) due to its properties of higher stability and enhanced hydrophobicity. Herein, catalytic conversion of FMF to DMF over Ni–Cu bimetallic catalyst with formic acid (FA) as hydrogen donor was investigated. A favorable DMF yield of 71.0% was obtained by catalyst 36Ni-12Cu/SBA-15. The conversion of FMF to DMF was controlled by surface reaction on the catalyst. In addition, catalytic mechanism investigation showed that the excellent catalytic performance and recyclability of catalyst were attributed to the formation of Cu–Ni alloy and its synergistic role. The incorporation of Cu and Ni substantially improved the selectivity of hydrogenolysis toward C–O ester bond. Meanwhile, FMF exhibited a better advantage to substitute HMF for producing DMF over Ni–Cu bimetallic catalyst with formic acid as a hydrogen donor.