Catalytic conversion of biomass-derived carbohydrates to useful chemicals in one step

With diminishing fossil fuel reserves, the production of liquid fuels and value-added chemicals directly from biomass is of great current interest. Here, we show that biomass derived carbohydrates such as fructose, glucose, and even cellulose can be catalytically converted to 2,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 2-methyltetrahydropyran, 2-ethyltetrahydrofuran, and 2-methylcyclopentanone in one step. The total yield of these chemicals is relatively high. These chemicals are commercially important as solvents or starting materials. Also, since these liquid chemicals have high energy density and low solubility in water, they can be used as liquid fuels or fuel additives. A multifunctional catalyst composed of a transition metal-based component and an acid was employed.