Biocatalytic reduction of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-furandimethanol using coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) water

Publication date: Available online 20 February 2020Source: Biocatalysis and Agricultural BiotechnologyAuthor(s): Ananda S. Amarasekara, Cristian D. Gutierrez Reyes, Rocio Garcia ObregonAbstractThe hexose dehydration product and important renewable feedstock 5-hydroxymethylfurfural can be biocatalytically reduced to 2,5-furandimethanol in 96% yield using coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) water as the biocatalyst at room temperature. The dimer of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural 5,5'-[oxybis(methylene)]bis[2-furaldehyde] can also be reduced to the corresponding diol 5,5'-[oxybis(methylene)]bis-[2-furanmethanol] using coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) water in 95% yield under similar conditions. This biocatalytic system could be reused in four cycles without an appreciable loss in activity.Graphical abstract

Source: Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology - February 20, 2020 Category: Biotechnology Source Type: research