Abstract

Catalytic activities of eight alkyl/aryl sulfonic acids in water were compared with sulfuric acid of the same acid strength (0.0321mol H+ ion/L) for hydrolysis of Sigmacell cellulose (DP∼450) in the 140–190°C temperature range by measuring total reducing sugar (TRS), and glucose produced. Cellulose samples hydrolyzed at 160°C for 3h, in aqueous p-toluenesulfonic acid, 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid, and 4-biphenylsulfonic acid mediums produced TRS yields of 28.0, 25.4, and 30.3% respectively, when compared to 21.7% TRS produced in aqueous sulfuric acid medium. The first order rate constants at 160°C in different acid mediums correlated with octanol/water distribution coefficient logD of these acids, except in the case of highly hydrophobic 4-dodceylbenzenesulfonic acid. In the series of sulfonic acids studied, 4-biphenylsulfonic acid appears to be the best cellulose hydrolysis catalyst.

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