Optimization of experimental conditions for the catalytic oxidation of furfural to furoic acid

Oxidation of furfural in a stream of oxygen in aqueous alkaline medium in the presence of a lead–platinum catalyst leads to the formation of furan 2-carboxylic acid. The influence of five factors was studied using a Doehlert matrix. The analysis of the areas of responses allowed the optimal operating conditions to be determined: platinum metal mass/furfural mass introduced × 100:1·7%; lead diacetate mass/platinum on carbon mass: 20%; initial furfural concentration 0·8 M; temperature 55°C. After 1 h of reaction, the whole of the furfural is then selectively transformed into furoic acid.