Poster Abstracts
Poster Title: e Step Catalytic Transformation of Carbohydrates to 2,5-Dimethyltetrahydrofuran for Liquid Fuel
Authors: Weiran Yang
Poster Abstract: 2,5-Dimethyltetrahydrofuran (DMTHF) can be produced catalytically from biomass derived carbohydrates in one step with high yield. DMTHF is superior to ethanol and has all the desirable properties currently found in typical petroleum-derived transportation fuels. Thus, dimethyltetrahydrofuran could be readily incorporated into the existing transportation infrastructure. As high as 80% yield of DMTHF could be obtained from fructose, glucose and even cellulose, which is the best result that has even been reported. The reaction employs a soluble rhodium catalyst, dihydrogen, and hydroiodic acid in biphasic solution. The catalytic system is robust and can be recycled repeatedly without loss of activity. The process is proposed to go through a combination of dehydration, hydrogenolysis and hydrogenation steps.
