For researchers working on biobased chemicals, a common question is what chemical product should be the target molecule of their research. While the opportunistic synthesis/isolation of a specific biobased molecule has a role in target selection, there is a need for more systematic biobased chemical development strategies that are robust in the face of realistic technological and economic constraints. These postulated strategies will then influence the research questions that need to be addressed. Discussed first will be learnings from biobased chemicals that have been commercialized. With that basis, two strategies being explored by our group will be presented, a) use of “bioprivileged molecules,” which are biology-derived chemical species that can be readily converted to a diversity of chemical products including drop-in replacements and novel species and b) generation of petrochemical replacements from lignin deconstruction and molecular funneling.

Realizing the potential of biobased chemical products

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

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