Catalytic pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass generates water-soluble low molecular weight oxygenates such as acetic acid, acetone, furfural, butanone, guaiacol, phenol and others in significant quantities that will affect the profitability of the biorefinery process. A new heterogeneous catalyst has been developed that catalyzes the reaction of carbonyl compounds with unsaturated ethers in aqueous medium to produce C6 to C15 hydrocarbons in a one-pot synthesis. These reactions are called “carbonyl alkylations” because the carbonyl carbon chain was added to the aromatic ring and the oxygen was eliminated without loss of carbon. The C1 to C4 ketones and aldehydes produce alkylated benzenes while the C5 and higher carbonyl compounds alkylated and then opened the benzene ring to produce long chain internal alkene compounds. All the reactions occurred in the aqueous media at 300-350 °C on a supported nickel catalyst. The gaseous products included low molecular weight hydrocarbons such as methane, propane, butane, and pentane.

Long chain hydrocarbons synthesis from quaiacol ring opening reactions

2019 Spring National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.