We have developed a process to convert the hemicellulose fraction of biomass into chemicals and fuels that does not require the use of precious metal catalysts and that allows the remaining cellulose fraction to be processed separately. Thus, this approach offers new opportunities for the effective utilization of renewable lignocellulosic resources. The hemicellulose fraction of biomass is treated in a dilute aqueous solution of mineral acid to produce xylose, which can be converted to furfural and levulinic acid (through furfuryl alcohol) using biphasic reactors with alkylphenol solvents that selectively partition furanic compounds from acidic aqueous solutions. Since the reactions are carried out in biphasic reactors, mineral acids can be used instead of solid acid catalysts, eliminating any issues of deactivation and regeneration of possible solid acid catalysts. Furthermore, the hydrophobic solvents (i.e., alkylphenols) do not extract the mineral acids, enabling their recovery and recycle.

Conversion of hemicellulose to furfural and levulinic acid in biphasic reactors with alkylphenol solvents

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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