Mechanism of Dilute Acid Hydrolysis of Cellulose Accounting for its Degradation in the Solid State

Abstract

ABSTRACT It is known that dilute acid hydrolysis of cellulose at high temperature results in yields not exceeding 60–65% of the potential glucose. All the models presented in the literature are based on the sequence: cellulose #x00BB; glucose #x00BB; degradation products. The underlying assumption of this sequence is that the unconverted cellulose retains its chemical integrity during the course of the hydrolysis reaction. Experimental evidence based on physico-chemical characterization of cellulosic residues obtained from dilute acid hydrolysis processes allows us to propose a new mechanism for cellulose hydrolysis accounting for its degradation in the solid state. Such degradation results in the formation of a non- carbohydrate residue.