Progress of Reactions between Furfural and Aliphatic Alcohols via Catalytic Oxidation Processes: Reaction Routes, Catalysts, and Perspectives

Furfural is one of the most important biomass platform compounds and can be used to prepare various high-value-added chemicals. The reactions furfural with aliphatic alcohols via an oxidative esterification reaction or condensation bond two carbon molecules together produce longer hydrocarbon chains chemicals, including methylfuroate some low-volatility liquid fuels. Thus, these are considered significant utilization routes furfural, many inspiring catalytic systems have been designed promoted reactions. In this work, reported for reviewed separately. catalysts classification noble metal non-noble catalysts, according active metals in catalysts. For reactions, studies using oxygen as oxidant firstly, then conducted hydrogen transfer process analyzed subsequently. Furthermore, suggestions future research directions put forward.