Production of Basic Chemicals on the Basis of Renewable Resources as an Alternative to Petrochemistry?

Systematic Study of Aromatic-Ring-Targeted Cycloadditions of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Platform Chemicals

The reaction space of the furanics-to-aromatics (F2A) conversion process for 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF)-based platform chemicals has been explored both experimentally and by quantum chemistry methods. For the first time, a structure-activity relationship was established in furan-yne cycloaddition for a number of different HMF derivatives. Correlations between the activation energy of the cycloaddition stage and the structure of the substrates were established by molecular modeling methods. Analysis of the concerted and stepwise mechanisms of cycloaddition in the singlet and triplet electronic states of the molecular system was carried out. A series of biobased 7-oxanorbornadienes was obtained in the reaction with dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate. Various methods of aromatization of the obtained [4+2] adducts have been examined. Rearrangement catalyzed by a Lewis acid leads to the formation of a phenol derivative, whereas reduction by diiron nonacarbonyl leads to the formation of functionalized benzene. Systematic study of the cycloaddition process has revealed a simple way to analyze and predict the relative reactivity of furanic substrates.

Continuous Flow Upgrading of Selected C2-C6 Platform Chemicals Derived from Biomass

The ever increasing industrial production of commodity and specialty chemicals inexorably depletes the finite primary fossil resources available on Earth. The forecast of population growth over the next 3 decades is a very strong incentive for the identification of alternative primary resources other than petro-based ones. In contrast with fossil resources, renewable biomass is a virtually inexhaustible reservoir of chemical building blocks. Shifting the current industrial paradigm from almost exclusively petro-based resources to alternative bio-based raw materials requires more than vibrant political messages; it requires a profound revision of the concepts and technologies on which industrial chemical processes rely. Only a small fraction of molecules extracted from biomass bears significant chemical and commercial potentials to be considered as ubiquitous chemical platforms upon which a new, bio-based industry can thrive. Owing to its inherent assets in terms of unique process experience, scalability, and reduced environmental footprint, flow chemistry arguably has a major role to play in this context. This review covers a selection of C₂ to C₆ bio-based chemical platforms with existing commercial markets including polyols (ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, glycerol, 1,4-butanediol, xylitol, and sorbitol), furanoids (furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural) and carboxylic acids (lactic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, itaconic acid, and levulinic acid). The aim of this review is to illustrate the various aspects of upgrading bio-based platform molecules toward commodity or specialty chemicals using new process concepts that fall under the umbrella of continuous flow technology and that could change the future perspectives of biorefineries.

When Will 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural, the "Sleeping Giant" of Sustainable Chemistry, Awaken?

Bring on the subs! Biorefining will be realized by using two different approaches: the production of new biobased molecular targets or sustainable access to traditional base and commodity chemicals. Awakening of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) can be expected with different probabilities, depending on the approach chosen to create a sustainable future.

Inositol to aromatics -benzene free synthesis of poly oxygenated aromatics

A method for the preparation of benzene derivatives from myo-inositol, an abundantly available phyto chemical is described. 1,3-Bridged acetals of inososes undergo step-wise elimination leading to the formation of polyoxygenated benzene derivatives. This aromatization reaction proceeds through the intermediacy of a β-alkoxyenone, which could be isolated. This sequence of reactions starting from myo-inositol, provides a novel route for the preparation of polyoxygenated benzene derivatives including polyoxygenated biphenyl. This scheme of synthesis demonstrates the potential of myo-inositol as a sustainable non-petrochemical resource for aromatic compounds.