Surfactants of biological origin: The role of Mo(VI) and microwaves in the synthesis of xylan-based non-ionic surfactants

Microwave-assisted, phosphomolybdic acid (PMoA) catalyzed, glycosylation of unprotected d-xylose and d-lyxose, obtained after tandem Mo(VI)-catalyzed xylan hydrolysis-epimerization reaction, provides alkyl xylosides and lyxosides in short reaction times. A homologous series of amphiphilic alkyl pentosides varying in chain structure (C8-C14) was prepared in very good yields (38-73%). A new catalytic approach using the reusable heterogeneous PMoA/SiO2 catalyst provides benefits in terms of yields, environmental safety, operational simplicity, and thus opens new perspectives for the rational hemicellulose biomass utilization.