Preparation of xylan esters with the use of selected Lewis acids

Authors: Biswas, Atanu; Cheng, Huai; Appell, Michael; FURTADO, ROSELYNE - Embrapa; BASTOS, MARIA S - Embrapa; ALVES, CARLUCIO - State University Of Ceará

Submitted to: American Chemical Society Symposium Series
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/26/2020
Publication Date: 7/17/2020
Citation: Biswas, A., Cheng, H.N., Appell, M.D., Furtado, R.F., Bastos, M.R., Alves, C.R. 2020. Preparation of xylan esters with the use of selected Lewis acids. In: Tunick, M.H., Liu, L. Innovative uses of agricultural products and byproducts. Vol. 1347. American Chemical Society Symposium Series eBook. p. 33-42. https://doi.org/10.1021/bk-2020-1347.ch002.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/bk-2020-1347.ch002

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Xylan belongs to the hemicellulose family of biopolymers and serves as a plentiful, eco-friendly agro-based resource for product development. As xylan is currently underutilized, more developmental work is needed. One of the xylan derivatives is xylan acetate, usually made with acetic anhydride and strong mineral acid. In this work, we look at the acylation of xylan through the use of selected Lewis acids. Five metal halides were studied (FeCl3, ZnCl2, AlCl3, SbCl3, and SnCl2) and compared to iodine as acylation catalysts. The products made included acetylated and succinylated xylan. All the metal chlorides are active as catalysts for esterification, but their activities differ, particularly with respect to temperature. Through the choice of a suitable catalyst, xylan esters with different degrees of substitution can be made.