Skip to main content
ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Renewable Product Technology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #305312
Title: Fructose hydrogenation to 2,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuran over a sulfur-poisoned Pt/C catalyst

Author
item Jackson, Michael - Mike
item Appell, Michael
item Blackburn, Judith

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/14/2014
Publication Date: 8/14/2014
Citation: Jackson, M.A., Appell, M.D., Blackburn, J.A. 2014. Fructose hydrogenation to 2,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuran over a sulfur-poisoned Pt/C catalyst [abstract]. American Chemical Society. Abstract 293. p. 74.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The conversion of biomass to a suite of chemicals will allow for greater financial stability for a biorefinery and greater use of field residues from farms resulting in increased farm income. To that end, we have hydrogenated fructose to 2,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuran in 50% yield using 5%Pt/Carbon poisoned with sulfur. In the absence of the sulfur, the reaction gives hydrogenolysis products such as acetol and propanediol. The selectivity toward DMTHF is increased four-fold by using aqueous ethanol as solvent. Ethanol appears to stabilize fructose allowing for the hydrogenation before dehydration to HMF. Detailed examination of the results suggest that the fructose is first ring-opened to 2,5-diketohexane which is further hydrogenated to 2,5-hexanediol, which ring closes to DMTHF.