Homogeneous Base‐Free Oxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethyfufural to 2, 5‐Furandicarboxylic Acid over Au/Mg(OH)2 Catalysts.

2, 5‐Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) obtained from selective 5‐hydroxymethyfufural (HMF) oxidation is an important biodegradable polyester monomer and its production strongly depends on homogeneous base additives. The production of FDCA over solid base catalyst is green and environment‐friendly. Herein, Au/Mg(OH)2 as the metal‐solid base catalyst, was prepared by a simple colloidal method and applied to the oxidation of HMF. Detailed characterizations (XRD, TEM, XPS, TGA, CO2‐TPD, etc.) were performed to uncover the structure‐activity relationship of the catalyst. 92.6 % yield of FDCA was achieved under the optimal reaction condition. Moreover, a plausible mechanism for HMF oxidation over the metal‐solid base catalyst was proposed by combining the surface properties of catalyst with the oxidation reaction results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]