Formation of aromatic compounds from condensation reactions of cellulose degradation products

Abstract

This research was undertaken to understand the formation of aromatic compounds when cellulose is liquefied in an aqueous alkaline environment. Work done by other authors shows that low molecular weight aldehydes and ketones can form aromatic compounds via condensation reactions under a variety of reaction conditions. Selected aldehydes and ketones which might have formed from cellulose degradation were reacted under cellulose liquefaction conditions. Many of the same aromatic compounds were formed from these reactions as were found in cellulose derived oils. Although the exact mechanisms may in some cases be complex, the condensation and cyclisation of these aldehydes and ketones is apparently involved in the formation of aromatic compounds in cellulose liquefaction oils.