Synthesis of valuable benzenoid aromatics from bioderived feedstock

Abstract Aromatic chemicals play indispensable roles in our daily lives, having broad applications household goods, textiles, healthcare, electronics and automotive, but their production currently relies on fossil resources that have heavy environmental burdens. Synthesis of aromatic from bio-based would be a viable approach to improve sustainability. However, very few methods are available for achieving this goal. Here we present strategy synthesize aromatics 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), an organic compound derived sugars under mild conditions. HMF was first converted two high-yielding steps into 2,5-dioxohexanal (DOH), novel C6-compound containing three carbonyl groups. Subsequently, acid-catalysed intramolecular aldol condensation DOH the presence secondary amines selectively produced range 4-dialkylamino substituted phenols 1,4-di-(dialkylamino)benzenes (Wurster’s blue analogues) 15–88% yields. In absence amines, industrially important hydroquinone also synthesized acidic Using similar where 4,5-dioxohexanal intermediate, were able prepare catechol, with industrial applications, HMF. The proposed can pave way sustainable move closer bioeconomy.