| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40463 | Applied Catalysis A: General | 2013 | 9 Pages |
In this paper, both sulfite and sulfate (kraft) celluloses from Nordic pulp mills were used as raw materials in the catalytic one-pot synthesis of green platform chemicals, levulinic and formic acids, respectively. The catalyst of choice was a macro-porous, cationic ion-exchange resin, Amberlyst 70. The optimal reaction conditions were determined and the influence of various gas atmospheres was investigated. The maximum yields of 53% formic acid and 57% of levulinic acid were separately obtained in a straight-forward conversion system only containing cellulose, water and the heterogeneous catalyst. The concept introduces a one-pot procedure providing a feasible route to green platform chemicals obtained via conversion of coniferous soft wood pulp to levulinic and formic acids, respectively.
Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (233 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Comparison of Nordic pulp as raw material for green platform chemicals. ► A low-cost heterogeneous catalyst, Amberlyst 70, was used as a recyclable catalyst. ► The yield of both levulinic and formic acids obtained was around 50–55%. ► The hydrolytic system operates without energy-intensive pre-treatment procedures.
