Heterogeneous Multicatalytic System for Single-Pot Oxidation and C–C Coupling Reaction Sequences

A system comprising two catalysts supported on mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) was employed to perform a sequence of two reactions in a single pot. Palladium nanoparticles catalyzed the oxidation of furfuryl alcohol with molecular oxygen at atmospheric pressure. The oxidation product, furfural, was then reacted with acetone via an aldol condensation catalyzed by amines supported on MSNs. Each reaction was first tested individually to establish optimal conditions. Both catalysts were then introduced into the same reactor under the proven conditions, and the entire reaction sequence was performed giving the desired product with high selectivity. The overall yield of the reaction sequence was highly dependent on the relative concentrations of the reactants in the mixture.