High-efficiency synthesis of 2,5-diformylfuran from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural using iron-bismuth-molybdenum oxides

• Multicomponent metal oxides (Fe 3 BiMo 8–12 O 30–42 ) catalysts prepared using a straightforward alkali-coprecipitation method. • Exceptional aerobic oxidation of HMF with 98 % conversion and turnover numbers (TONs) up to 379. • A high substrate to catalyst weight ratio (>2000 mmol/g). • Advanced characterisation provides insights into the active sites, structural, morphological, and surface properties of the catalyst. • One-pot, two-step process to convert fructose to DFF with > 85 % yield. Herein we report the synthesis of various of iron-bismuth-molybdenum oxides (Fe 3 BiMo 8–12 O 30–42 ) catalysts via a straightforward alkali-coprecipitation method. These catalyts exhibited notable highly efficiency as heterogeneous catalysts for the aerobic oxidation of HMF to DFF. Among the catalysts investigated, Fe 3 BiMo 12 O 42 (pH = 1–2) exhibited exceptional efficiency, achieving high HMF conversion (98 %) with high selectivity (>99 %) and turnover numbers (TONs) up to 379, representing 1–2 orders of magnitude improvement than previously reported non-noble catalysis systems. The Fe 3 BiMo 12 O 42 (pH = 1–2) catalyst demonstrated sustained high selectivity after five usage cycles, highlighting its practical recyclability and stability. Comprehensive characterization of the catalysts and control experiments provided insights into active sites along with the structural, morphological, and surface properties. Furthermore, a convenient one-pot, two-step process utilizing Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 -SO 3 H and Fe 3 BiMo 12 O 42 in tandem successfully produced DFF from fructose with an impressive overall yield of 85%, showcasing potential for sustainable and eco-friendly biomass conversion. This study presented an efficient method for converting 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF) using iron-bismuth-molybdenum oxide (Fe 3 BiMo 12 O 42 ) catalysts. A complete HMF conversion with remarkable selectivity (>95%) could be achieved, resulting in an impressive turnover number (TON) of up to 367. Moreover, the catalyst retained its selectivity and demonstrated good recyclability over five reaction cycles. . Comprehensive characterization of the catalysts and control experiments provided insights into active sites along with the structural, morphological, and surface properties.