Design, synthesis and evaluation of novel glycosyl surfactant—lignocellulosic hydrolysate esters from shrub willow

• A novel glycosyl surfactant from lignocellulosic biomass is prepared.
• A green process for utilization of agricultural and forest residues is proposed.
• The lignocellulosic hydrolysate esters exhibit remarkable surface activity.

To meet the demands for environmental benign and food safety of surfactant industry, a green process for conversion of agriculture and forest residues into high-value added carbohydrate products has been presented in this work. The process was conducted with ultrasonic assistant and carbon-based solid alkali catalysts, and the maxim yield of lignocelulosic hydrolysate esters (LHE) could reach 88.5%, with 81.3% content of monoester. The as-prepared LHE were characterized and evaluated using FT-IR, 2D-NMR and TLC, indicated that the as-prepared LHE mainly compose of lignocellulosic monose esters and lignocellulosic oligose esters. Significantly, the LHE exhibited remarkable surfactant capacity as a glycosyl surfactant with the surface tension of 33.0 mN/m, CMC value of 0.514 g/L, emulsifying power value of 11.63 min and HLB number of 13.9, respectively. This process could offer a promising strategy for effective conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into high-value added carbohydrate products.

A green process for conversion of agriculture and forest residues into high-value added carbohydrate products has been presented in this work.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide