Synthesis of straight-chain C49H100 alkane using a modular splicing strategy

Abstract

Ultra-long n-alkanes are highly valuable in both scientific research and as major constituents of specialty high-melting-point waxes. Unlike conventional methods (e.g., Fischer–Tropsch (FT), ethylene oligomerization, and polyethylene cracking) typically resulting in wide n-alkane distributions, the elaborate design strategy presented herein allows the direct synthesis of pure, long n-alkanes using a modular splicing method with acetone, furfural, and fatty acid anhydrides or acyl chlorides as bio-blocks. The herein approach is based on a simple four-step catalytic reaction scheme involving C–C chain elongation and C–O bond activation. The synthesized pure n-alkanes had a carbon chain length as high as C49 (total yield of 49%). The synthesis approach also allows to selectively prepare n-alkanes with even and odd carbon numbers ranging from C15 to C49. This process represents a great breakthrough in the synthesis of long-chain pure n-alkanes, surpassing the carbon number limitations reported in previous methodologies.