Abstract
Cyclic carbonates were selected as novel liquefying reagents in order to establish a rapid liquefaction technique converting lignocellulosic waste into useful chemicals. Lignocellulosic materials such as wood and cellulose were liquefied using ethylene carbonate (EC) or propylene carbonate (PC) in the presence of acid catalyst at elevated temperature (120–150°C). Very rapid and complete liquefaction occurred in the EC-liquefaction of cellulose and white birch (hardwood). The rate of the EC-liquefaction of cellulose was approximately 10 times faster than that of current polyhydric alcohol liquefaction. Conversely, liquefaction was not accomplished due to the formation of insoluble lignin derivatives when applied to softwood (Japanese cedar and Japanese cypress). Satisfactory liquefaction is dependent on the type of lignin, i.e. hardwood lignin or softwood lignin. This problem was solved by blending ethyleneglycol (EG) with EC. 13C-NMR revealed that the EC liquefaction products from cellulose include levulinic acid compounds, which also results from EG liquefaction of cellulose.
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.
