Abstract
Furfural is a potential platform chemical derived from biomass, which has gained increased attention as a potential substitute for the displacement of petrochemicals and the production of biofuels. The catalytic effect of different metal tri-chlorides (FeCl3, AlCl3 and CrCl3) with formic acid (FA) was investigated for the selective conversion of D-xylose to furfural in aqueous solutions. Reactions were carried out at various temperatures (100–170°C), FA concentrations (0–65wt%), and metal chloride concentrations (0.2–0.8M). Lyxose was identified as primary intermediate of the conversion of xylose at low temperatures and FA concentrations. A mixture containing 0.4M AlCl3 and 55wt% FA was the most selective and active system for the production of furfural at low temperatures (130°C, selectivity ≈70–90%). A simplified kinetic model was developed to describe the overall xylose conversion and furfural formation under the selected conditions, offering a valuable tool for process optimisation and design.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
