Abstract:
Provided herein are methods for preparing alkylfurans, such as 2,5-dialkylfurans and 2-alkylfurans. Furfural or 5-alkylfurfural can be reacted with aniline or diaminobenzene, or derivatives thereof, to form the corresponding imine, which can be reduced to form alkylfurans and to regenerate the aniline or diaminobenzene, or derivatives thereof. The alkylfuran may be, for example, 2,5-dimethylfuran or 2-methylfuran.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides methods to produce 5-(halomethyl)furfural, including 5-(chloromethyl)furfural, by acid-catalyzed conversion of biomass. The methods make use of certain organic solvents with temperature-dependent solubility for 5-(halomethyl)furfural. This allows for temperature-dependent phase separation of the 5-(halomethyl)furfural from the reaction mixture. In certain embodiments, solid 5-(halomethyl)furfural may be obtained. The solid 5-(halomethyl)furfural obtained may be amorphous or crystalline.
Abstract:
Provided herein are methods that utilize polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as a substrate for further conversion to C4 and C5 compounds. Polyhydroxyalkanoates can undergo esterification to yield alkyl hydroxyalkanoates and alkyl alkenoates, which may serve as useful precursors in the production of alkadienes and alkenedioic acids, including for example butadiene and butenedioic acid.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides methods to produce para-xylene, toluene, and other compounds from renewable sources (e.g., cellulose, hemicellulose, starch, sugar) and ethylene in the presence of a catalyst. For example, cellulose and/or hemicellulose may be converted into 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF), which may be converted into para-xylene by cycloaddition of ethylene to DMF. Para-xylene can then be oxidized to form terephthalic acid.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides methods to produce para-xylene, toluene, and other compounds from renewable sources (e.g., cellulose, hemicellulose, starch, sugar) and ethylene in the presence of a catalyst. For example, cellulose and/or hemicellulose may be converted into 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF), which may be converted into para-xylene by cycloaddition of ethylene to DMF. Para-xylene can then be oxidized to form terephthalic acid.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides methods to produce 5-(halomethyl)furfural, including 5-(chloromethyl)furfural, by acid-catalyzed conversion of C6 saccharides, including isomers thereof, polymers thereof, and certain derivatives thereof. The methods make use of acids with lower concentrations, and allows for conversion of sugars into 5-(halomethyl)furfural at higher temperatures and faster reaction or residence times.
Abstract:
Provided herein are methods of producing dialkylfurans, such as 2,5-dimethylfuran, and other alkyl furans, such as 2-methylfuran. For example, 2,5-dimethylfuran may be produced by reducing (5-methylfuran-2-yl)methanol or 2-(chloromethyl)-5-methylfuran.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides methods to produce para-xylene, toluene, and other compounds from renewable sources (e.g., cellulose, hemicellulose) and ethylene in the presence of an acid, such as a Lewis acid. For example, cellulose and/or hemicellulose may be converted into 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) and 2-methylfuran, which may be converted into para-xylene and toluene, respectively. In particular, para-xylene can then be oxidized to form terephthalic acid.
Abstract:
Provided are solid forms of 5-(halomethyl)furfural, including a crystalline form of 5-(chloromethyl)furfural. Provided are also methods for preparing solid forms of 5-(halomethyl)furfural by crystallization using certain solvents.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides methods to produce 5-(halomethyl)furfural, including 5-(chloromethyl)furfural, by acid-catalyzed conversion of biomass. The methods make use of certain organic solvents with temperature-dependent solubility for 5-(halomethyl)furfural. This allows for temperature-dependent phase separation of the 5-(halomethyl)furfural from the reaction mixture. In certain embodiments, solid 5-(halomethyl)furfural may be obtained. The solid 5-(halomethyl)furfural obtained may be amorphous or crystalline.