Biorefining compounds and organocatalytic upgrading methods
The invention provides new methods for the direct umpolung self-condensation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) by organocatalysis, thereby upgrading the readily available substrate into 5,5'-di(hydroxymethyl)furoin (DHMF). While many efficient catalyst systems have been developed for conversion of plant biomass resources into HMF, the invention now provides methods to convert such nonfood biomass directly into DHMF by a simple process as described herein. The invention also provides highly effective new methods for upgrading other biomass furaldehydes and related compound to liquid fuels. The methods include the organocatalytic self-condensation (umpolung) of biomass furaldehydes into (C.sub.8-C.sub.12)furoin intermediates, followed by hydrogenation, etherification or esterification into oxygenated biodiesel, or hydrodeoxygenation by metal-acid tandem catalysis into premium hydrocarbon fuels.
- Research Organization:
- Colorado State University Research Foundation, Fort Collins, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG02-10ER16193
- Assignee:
- Colorado State University Research Foundation (Fort Collins, CO)
- Patent Number(s):
- 9,469,626
- Application Number:
- 13/934,074
- OSTI ID:
- 1329321
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 2013 Jul 02
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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