Abstract
The isomerization of glucose to fructose is a crucial interim step in the processing of biomass to renewable fuels and chemicals. This study investigates the copper-catalyzed glucose-fructose isomerization in water, focusing on insights into the roles of the dissolved copper species. Depending on the pH, the thermodynamic equilibrium shifted towards one or a few copper species, namely Cu2+ , Cu(OH)+ , and Cu(OH)2 . According to thermodynamics, the highest concentration of Cu(OH)+ is at pH 5.3, at which the highest fructose yield of 16 % is achieved. The obtained fructose yields strongly correlate with the concentration of Cu(OH)+ . A pH decrease of 2-3 units was observed during the reaction, resulting in the deactivation of the catalyst through hydrolysis in acidic media. Based on the results of the catalytic experiments, as well as spectroscopic and spectrometric studies, we propose Cu(OH)+ as an active Lewis-acidic species following an intramolecular 1,2-hydride shift.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
