We have investigated the selective hydrogenation of compounds representative of the products from the pyrolysis of cellulose. We were able to show that these species can be selectively hydrogenated to reduce the alkene bonds, while leaving the carbonyl functionalities unchanged. Our hypothesis is that removing alkenes will reduce the cyclization reactions that lead to the formation of aromatic molecules and coke on the catalysts that are used to upgrade pyrolysis vapors. This presentation will discuss the selective hydrogenation of mesityl oxide and the effect on the conversion of acetone and cellulose pyrolysis vapors.

Selective hydrogenation of biomass pyrolysis vapors

248th National Meeting (2014)

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