Catalytic Methods for the Synthesis of Functionalized 2-Vinylfurans and New Furan-2,6-dicarboxylic Acid Derivatives from Carbohydrates and Preparation of Novel Biomass-based Furan-containing Polymers

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Malte Brasholz; Dr. Sergey Tin
• Subject Area: Technical Chemistry ; Organic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation ; Polymer Materials
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 582790727

The aim of this project is the preparation and characterization of novel biomass-based furan monomers and furan-containing polymers. Short, step-efficient de novo syntheses starting from hexitols, glycerol, and simple monosaccharides will furnish precursors for furan monomers. These precursors are functionalized by photocatalytic radical C-C bond formation reactions and then converted into new derivatives of 2-vinylfuran or substituted furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acids by catalytic deoxydehydration or cyclodehydration. These building blocks serve as monomers for novel functional 2-vinylfuran homo- and copolymers, as well as structurally modified variants of polyethylene furoate (PEF), which exhibit previously unknown material properties.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigators: Professor Dr. Robert Francke; Professor Dr. Udo Kragl