The catalytic valorization of cellulose is currently subject of intense study.[1] Isosorbide is one of the more interesting products that can be formed from cellulose, since it is a potential platform molecule that can be used for the synthesis of a wide range of pharmaceuticals, chemicals and polymers.[2] A promising direct route from cellulose to isosorbide is being investigated within the BIOCORE project, that is supported by the European Commission through the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technical development under contract no FP7-241566.[3] The strategy builds on a one-pot bifunctional catalytic concept, combining tungstosilicic acid and commercial Ru on carbon.[4]Starting from pure microcrystalline cellulose, a fast conversion was observed, resulting in over 50% isosorbide yield. The robustness of the developed system is evidenced by the conversion of impure cellulose pulps obtained by organosolv fractionation of wheat straw, with isosorbide yields over 60%. This excellent cellulose conversion validates organosolv fractionation technology as a valuable approach for wheat straw pretreatment and underscores the applicability of the conversion strategy in biorefinery pathways. Results were compared with other (ligno)cellulose feedstocks.[1] a) Dhepe, P.L. and Fukuoka, A., ChemSusChem 2008  , 1(12), 969-975; b) Van de Vyver, S., Geboers, J., Jacobs, P.A. and Sels, B.F., ChemCatChem 2011  , 3(1), 82-94; c) Geboers, J., Van de Vyver, S., Ooms, R., Op de Beeck, B., Jacobs, P.A. and Sels, B.F., Catal. Sci. Technol. 2011  , 1(5), 714-726.[2] Rose, M. and Palkovits, R., ChemSusChem 2012  , 5(1), 167-176.[3] www.biocore-europe.org.[4] a) Geboers, J., Van de Vyver, S., Carpentier, K., de Blochouse, K., Jacobs, P.A. and Sels, B.F., Chem. Commun. 2010  , 46(20), 3577-3579; b) Op de Beeck, B., Geboers, J., Van de Vyver, S., Van Lishout, J., Snelders, J., Huijgen, W.J.J., Courtin, C.M., Jacobs, P.A. and Sels, B.F., ChemSusChem 2013  , 6, 199-208.

Conversion of (ligno)cellulose feeds to isosorbide with heteropoly acids and ru on carbon

246th National Meeting (2013)

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