Pd/HAP Catalyzed Synthesis of Adipic Acid from 1,6‐Hexanediol under Aerial Base‐free Conditions

Abstract Adipic acid (AA), an important precursor to produce nylon‐6, nylon‐6,6, and polyurethanes, can be synthesized from biomass‐derived 1,6‐hexanediol (HDO). Herein, we examined the selective oxidation of 1,6‐hexanediol to adipic acid over Pd/support (support‐ Rice husk ash (RHA), TiO 2 , C, ZnO, Al 2 O 3 , La 2 O 3 , Mg(OH) 2 , and hydroxyapatite (HAP)) catalyst in water at 70 °C under base‐free conditions. Pd/HAP exhibited high catalytic activity among the catalysts explored, affording adipic acid (AA) selectively in 89 % yield with complete conversion of HDO. Investigating these Pd/support catalysts and several control experiments inferred that the basicity of the HAP support concertedly with Pd nanoparticle participated in achieving efficient aerial oxidation of HDO to AA, and hence avoided the need for any additional base additives. Advantageously, Pd/HAP exhibited high activity for gram‐scale reactions and long‐term stability during reusing the catalyst for several cycles without any considerable loss in the catalytic activity.