Conversion of saccharides into levulinic acid and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural over WO3–Ta2O5 catalysts

Abstract

Bimetallic oxide catalysts WO₃–Ta₂O₅ are active in converting saccharides into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and levulinic acid (LA) in one-pot reactions. The product selectivity varies at different WO₃ to Ta₂O₅ ratios. FTIR measurements indicate the presence of Lewis acid sites and the strength of the Lewis acid sites varies when the WO₃ to Ta₂O₅ ratio changes. The result suggests that conversion of carbohydrates into HMF and LA can be realized using a single catalytic system by adjusting the catalyst's acidic properties.