Abstract
Ketonic decarboxylation has gained significant attention in recent years as a pathway to reduce the oxygen content within biomass-derived oils, and to produce sustainable ketones. The reaction is base catalysed, with MgO an economic, accessible and highly basic heterogeneous catalyst. Here we use MgO to catalyse the ketonic decarboxylation of dodecanoic acid to form 12-tricosanone at moderate temperatures (250 °C, 280 °C and 300 °C) with low catalyst loads of 1% (w/w), 3% (w/w) and 5% (w/w) with respect to the dodecanoic acid, with a reaction time of 1 hour under batch conditions. Three different particle sizes for the MgO were tested (50 nm, 100 nm and 44 μm). Ketone yield was found to increase with increasing reaction temperature, reaching approximately 75% yield for all the samples tested. Temperature was found to be the main control on reaction yield, rather than surface area or particle size.
Highlights
Among renewable energy sources and sustainable provision of chemical feedstocks, biomass plays an important role
We use magnesium oxide (MgO) to catalyse the ketonic decarboxylation of dodecanoic acid to form 12-tricosanone at moderate temperatures (250 C, 280 C and 300 C) with low catalyst loads of 1% (w/w), 3% (w/w) and 5% (w/w) with respect to the dodecanoic acid, with a reaction time of 1 hour under batch conditions
The possible impacts of the particle size within the reaction conditions as well as small amounts of catalyst were tested for the ketonic decarboxylation of dodecanoic acid, with high ketone production at moderate temperatures using the inexpensive catalyst MgO
Summary
Among renewable energy sources and sustainable provision of chemical feedstocks, biomass plays an important role. Biomass contributes to the production of 2 million barrels a day of transportation fuels and to 14% of the world's primary energy demand.[1,2] Biomass is key to delivering sustainable infrastructure for the future that helps to reduce dependence on fossil fuel derivatives as well as meeting demands from society in terms of green energy. The most important drawback of using biomass as an energy source compared to fossil fuels is its low heating value, making it less suitable for direct application for primary energy production. Due to its high ignition stability and sustainability, biomass can be processed using thermochemical approaches and converted into higher value fuels.[2] Different strategies are being studied to transform biomass-derived oils and sugars into commodity chemicals.[1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
