Metal halide salts (i.e. CrCl3, AlCl3, FeCl3) have been shown to have an affinity for the conversion of glucose into valuable platform chemicals like 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), levulinic acid, and formic acid. The ability to upgrade simple sugars into valuable chemicals allows fossil fuel feedstock to be replaced by renewable plant based materials.  Cellulose polymers from the plant cell wall can yield simple sugars like glucose through the use of acid pretreatment or the direct application of catalysts.  Iron (III) chloride hexahydrate can facilitate a dehydration reaction from fructose and glucose resulting in the formation of HMF.  Prior work has shown successful sugar transformations with chromium salts; however its high toxicity makes Cr an undesirable choice. Inexpensiveness, abundance, and minimal toxicity make metals like Fe more attractive alternatives to Cr.  Increased reaction reactivity and product selectivity can be achieved through a biphasic reaction medium�the starting material and the Lewis acid catalyst remain in the aqueous layer while products are extracted into the organic layer.  Rapid heating, as achieved through a CEM microwave reactor, limits the formation of undesirable side products especially that of insoluble humins.  Very low amounts of Br�nsted acids (< 0.5M) have also shown to enhance the activity and selectivity of the Fe reactions.

Increasing the value of plant derived sugars through an iron (III) dehydration catalyst and a biphasic reaction medium

246th National Meeting (2013)

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