Conversion of saccharides into levulinic acid and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural over WO-TaO catalysts

Bimetallic oxide catalysts WO 3 -Ta 2 O 5 are active in converting saccharides into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and levulinic acid (LA) in one-pot reactions. The product selectivity varies at different WO 3 to Ta 2 O 5 ratios. FTIR measurements indicate the presence of Lewis acid sites and the strength of the Lewis acid sites varies when the WO 3 to Ta 2 O 5 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. Bimetallic oxide catalysts WO 3 -Ta 2 O 5 are active in converting saccharides into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and levulinic acid (LA) in one-pot reactions.