One-pot conversion of biomass-derived xylose and furfural into levulinate esters via acid catalysis?

Chemical Communications Pub Date: 2017-02-15 DOI: 10.1039/C7CC01078H

Abstract

Direct conversion of biomass-derived xylose and furfural into levulinic acid, a platform molecule, via acid-catalysis has been accomplished for the first time in dimethoxymethane/methanol. Dimethoxymethane acted as an electrophile to transform furfural into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Methanol suppressed both the polymerisation of the sugars/furans and the Aldol condensation of levulinic acid/ester.

Graphical abstract: One-pot conversion of biomass-derived xylose and furfural into levulinate esters via acid catalysis
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