Renewable Alcohols Research Articles

Trends of fully alcohol-attributable mortality rates before and during COVID-19 in the Baltic and other European countries.

We tested the polarization hypothesis, which postulates that during times of crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol consumption increases among the heaviest drinkers but decreases among most other drinkers, resulting in an overall decrease in consumption among the population. We posited the increase in heavy drinking would lead to increases in 100% alcohol-attributable (AA) mortality. Furthermore, based on the high level of alcohol consumption in the Baltic countries compared to other European countries, we predicted that the increases in AA mortality would be more pronounced in these countries. Data for 100% AA deaths were obtained from the World Health Organization for the period 2010 to 2022, and standardized to the regional age distribution for 2010. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used to test the study hypotheses. The mean age-standardized 100% AA mortality rate increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in the 19 European countries with data by 3.12 deaths per 100,000 population, constituting an 18% increase (tested against no change: t = 2.52; df = 18; p = 0.021). This increase was higher in the Baltic countries (mean difference = 13.41 deaths per 100,000 population; standard deviation (SD) = 7.44; 46% increase) than for other European countries (mean difference = 1.19; SD = 1.55; 8% increase). The increases in 100% AA mortality were associated with decreases in the level of alcohol consumption in the majority of countries. As predicted, 100% AA mortality increased in 19 European countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Baltic countries seeing a higher increase. Renewed alcohol control policy efforts should be considered.

Use of Renewable Alcohols in Autocatalytic Production of Aspen Organosolv Lignins.

This study aimed to investigate the intrinsic efficiency of renewable alcohols, applied under autocatalytic conditions, for removing lignin from aspen and hot-water-extracted aspen while substantially preserving the lignin structure so as to facilitate various valorization strategies. Ethylene glycol (EG), propylene glycol (PG), 1,4-butanediol (BDO), ethanol (EtOH), and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA) were evaluated based on their lignin solubilization ability, expressed as the relative energy difference (RED) following the principles of the Hansen solubility theory. The findings indicate that alcohols with a higher lignin solubilization potential lead to increased delignification, almost 90%, and produce a lignin with a higher content of β-O-4 bonds, up to 68% of those found in aspen milled wood lignin, thereby indicating their potential for valorization through depolymerization. However, these alcohols also produce lignin with a higher content of β-β and β-5 bonds, resulting in a higher molecular weight and polydispersity, due to readily occurring homolytic reactions. Hot-water extraction (HWE) conducted prior to alcohol treatment reduced the delignification efficiency and resulted in a lignin with a lower β-O-4 bond content. The lignins produced in these experiments exhibited a superior UV-A absorption capacity compared with synthetic benzophenone, as well as a greater radical quenching ability than synthetic butylated hydroxytoluene, indicating their potential for use in the protection of polymers against degradation.

Photocatalytic hydrogen production from alcohols to in-situ hydrogenation of nitrogen to ammonia by a dual-catalyst system

Haber-Bosch process to produce ammonia from hydrogenation of nitrogen is high energy intensive and non-sustainable due to substantial CO2 emissions primarily from the H2 generation. Herein, the nitrogen hydrogenation into ammonia is realized through a sustainable synthesis method by a biomimetic photocatalytic dual-catalyst system which used renewable alcohols as hydrogen source, a low redox potential H4SiW12O40 (SiW12) as photocatalyst and suspended Pt-on-carbon (Pt/C) particles as nitrogen hydrogenation catalyst. The SiW12 can quickly dehydrogenate alcohols using solar energy to produce electrons and protons. The produced electrons were stored in SiW12 anion and could be transferred by SiW12 to be released to reduce the nitrogen with protons into ammonia on the Pt/C. The synergistic effects between SiW12 and Pt can enhance electrons into [NNHn]+ and [NHn]+ species through an associative-distal pathway, resulting in the nitrogen hydrogenation with a very low activation energy, and further breaking the scaling theory relations.

Study on the effects of intake valve timing and lift on the combustion and emission performance of ethanol, N-butanol, and gasoline engine under stoichiometric combustion and lean burn conditions

To achieve carbon neutrality goals, renewable alcohols and new technologies are receiving increased attention. Variable valve technology can effectively improve engine efficiency. However, there is limited research on valve strategies suitable for alcohol. To further promote the efficient and clean application of alcohol, this article studies the effects of intake valve timing and lift on performance of ethanol, n-butanol, and gasoline engines under stoichiometric combustion and lean burn. It is found that the combustion process of ethanol and n-butanol is prolonged by advancing intake valve timing, while gasoline is the opposite. Meanwhile, the improvement of equivalent brake-specific fuel consumption (ESFC) is the most significant when fueled with gasoline, improving by 6.9 %. The improvement of BSNOx is the highest when fueled with ethanol, improving by 42.07 %. Adjusting intake valve lift has a weaker impact on economy than valve timing. However, when adjusting the combination of throttle, valve lift and timing, the ESFC of ethanol, n-butanol, and gasoline can be reduced by 6.79 %, 4.35 %, and 10.98 %. Furthermore, combining valve timing and lean burn can further improve economy and emissions. The ESFC of ethanol, n-butanol, and gasoline can be decreased by 12.73 %, 6.87 %, and 11.96 %, while BSNOx decrease by 93.69 %, 74.86 % and 61.65 %.

Pyrolytic decomposition of methanol, ethanol, and butanol at various temperatures and residence times in a high-temperature flow reactor

The potential use of low-carbon renewable fuel molecules, such as short chain alcohols, as a substitute or extender for fossil fuels, offers an opportunity to address pollutant emissions from transport and the sustainability of energy sources. Moreover, it may help reduce pollutants detrimental to air quality and human health, of which particulate matter (PM) is a significant contributor. To this end, the pyrolysis of three renewable alcohol fuels, methanol, ethanol, and butanol, has been studied in a laminar flow reactor at a sample inlet temperature range of 869 0C to 1120 0C. All the tested fuels were injected into a nitrogen carrier gas stream at a fixed concentration of 10,000 ppm on a carbon atom basis. A range of pyrolysis temperatures and residence times were selected so as to gain insight into the pyrolytic decomposition of short chain alcohol fuels to intermediate species important to the subsequent formation of benzene rings, larger polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and particulate matter. In this paper, the presence of ten intermediary species that may aid in the formation of benzene rings and the growth of PAHs were quantified, with an emphasis on probable routes of first ring formation from the alcohols of varying chain length. Gaseous samples were collected from the pyrolyser at different temperatures and residence times using a novel high-temperature air-cooled ceramic sampling probe. The identification and quantification of intermediate gaseous species were undertaken by Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID). During methanol pyrolysis, only a tenth of the supplied carbon was detected as hydrocarbon gaseous species (mainly methane), with no benzene found, highlighting that methanol pyrolysis does not readily result in polyaromatic hydrocarbons and soot. Ethanol and butanol pyrolysis produced substantial amounts of ethylene and acetylene, suggesting a role in benzene and soot formation. Uniquely, pyrolysis of the longest chain alcohol, butanol, produced appreciable levels of C3 and C4 hydrocarbons, in addition to C1 and C2 hydrocarbons, suggesting additional reaction pathways for benzene formation and growth in comparison with ethanol.

IL-18 Signaling in the Rat Central Amygdala Is Disrupted in a Comorbid Model of Post-Traumatic Stress and Alcohol Use Disorder.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and anxiety disorders are frequently comorbid and share dysregulated neuroimmune-related pathways. Here, we used our established rat model of comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)/AUD to characterize the interleukin 18 (IL-18) system in the central amygdala (CeA). Male and female rats underwent novel (NOV) and familiar (FAM) shock stress, or no stress (unstressed controls; CTL) followed by voluntary alcohol drinking and PTSD-related behaviors, then all received renewed alcohol access prior to the experiments. In situ hybridization revealed that the number of CeA positive cells for Il18 mRNA increased, while for Il18bp decreased in both male and female FAM stressed rats versus CTL. No changes were observed in Il18r1 expression across groups. Ex vivo electrophysiology showed that IL-18 reduced GABAA-mediated miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) frequencies in CTL, suggesting reduced CeA GABA release, regardless of sex. Notably, this presynaptic effect of IL-18 was lost in both NOV and FAM males, while it persisted in NOV and FAM females. IL-18 decreased mIPSC amplitude in CTL female rats, suggesting postsynaptic effects. Overall, our results suggest that stress in rats with alcohol access impacts CeA IL-18-system expression and, in sex-related fashion, IL-18's modulatory function at GABA synapses.

Benztropine Reduces Reacquisition of Alcohol Self‐Administration in Rats with Stress History: Role of FKBP5

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can affect 1 in 11 adults during their lifetime, is often comorbid with chronic alcohol use problems and increases alcohol relapse risk. PTSD and alcohol‐use phenotypes are associated with variants in the FKBP propyl isomerase 5 (FKBP5) gene, which encodes FK506‐binding protein 5 (FKBP5), a chaperone modulator of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) that is functionally implicated in stress‐related psychiatric disorders and alcohol withdrawal severity. Data suggests that FKBP5 inhibition may decrease alcohol intake, but its role in the post‐traumatic recurrence of alcohol drinking is unknown. Here, we tested the hypotheses that amygdala Fkbp5 expression is increased in rats with a history of traumatic stress and is associated with greater reacquisition of ethanol self‐administration. Then, we tested the hypothesis that benztropine mesylate, an FDA‐approved drug that disrupts FKBP5‐GR binding, reduces reacquisition of ethanol self‐administration in rats with a history of traumatic stress. Separate cohorts (for mRNA vs. benztropine studies) of male (n = 43) and female (n = 20) Wistar rats received 3 sessions of light‐cued footshock stress (30 min session, 60 footshocks, 1‐s 0.4 mA) before acquiring operant ethanol (10% v/v) self‐administration (1‐h sessions, fixed ratio1‐3), followed by extinction (16 sessions), and then renewed alcohol access. Amygdala Fkbp5 expression correlated significantly with increased ethanol self‐administration (rs(23) = 0.463, p = 0.023) during renewal of ethanol access. Subchronic (3 days) benztropine pretreatment (‐2 h, i.p., 0, 5, and 10 mg/kg [n = 10, 14, and 14]) significantly reduced the reacquisition of ethanol self‐administration. On days 2 and 3 of reacquisition, self‐administration was significantly reduced in drug treated animals (Dose x Day: F(4,64)=2.83, p < 0.04), culminating in a 68% reduction in males (0.78±0.16 vs. 0.25±0.13 g/kg) and a 41% reduction in females (0.88±0.14 vs. 0.52±0.13 g/kg) at the 10 mg/kg dose. Overall, the results warrant further study of benztropine and its potential inhibition of FKBP5 to reduce post‐traumatic alcohol relapse risk.

Study of combustion and emission characteristics of a diesel engine fueled with diesel, butanol-diesel and hexanol-diesel mixtures under low intake pressure conditions

A significant number of landmasses on earth are above sea level where the ambient pressure is below 1 atm. With economy and population growth, the rapid expansion of human activities at these high-altitude regions is expected. However, the research on diesel engine combustion and emissions under low intake pressure conditions are limited, especially when alcohol-diesel mixtures are used as fuel. In this work, the combustion and emission characteristics of a common-rail diesel engine fueled with diesel, butanol-diesel and hexanol-diesel mixtures under low intake pressure conditions were investigated. Mixtures were prepared with two blend ratios, which were 20% and 40% by volume. Experiments were conducted under five different intake pressures (1.2, 1.0, 0.8, 0.7, and 0.6 atm) and two engine loads (0.45 MPa and 0.55 MPa IMEP). The combustion characteristics and engine performance were analyzed using measurements of in-cylinder pressure, HRR, ignition delay, combustion duration, ISFC and ITE. NOx, soot, CO, and HC emissions under different operating conditions were also measured and discussed. Results revealed lower intake pressure led to higher ISFC and lower ITE. Soot and CO emissions increased significantly once intake pressure dropped below 0.8 atm, while NOx emissions decreased with intake pressure reduction. Under the same conditions, adding renewable alcohol extended the ignition delay and reduced the combustion duration. These effects were more pronounced for combustion of butanol-diesel mixtures than combustion of hexanol-diesel mixtures. Combustion of hexanol-diesel mixture with 20% blend ratio (H20) had similar or lower ISFC and higher ITE than diesel combustion when intake pressure was lower than 1 atm due to its fuel oxygen content and similar fuel properties as diesel. The engine fueled with H20 could still operate under intake pressure of 0.6 atm and engine load of 0.45 MPa IMEP, but the engine misfired when other fuels were used. In terms of emission characteristics, adding alcohol significantly reduced soot and CO emissions, especially when intake pressure was below 1 atm. However, combustion of alcohol-diesel mixtures produced more NOx emissions than diesel combustion under the same conditions.

Proposals for the redesign of the mouthwash production chain based on environmental performance indicators

This study describes the results of the initial redesign process phase of the production chains of two mouthwashes, namely an alcohol-based product (‘A’) and a polyol-based product (‘B’), in order to improve their environmental performance. Initially the LCA technique estimated impacts in terms of Primary Energy Demand, Global Warming Potential, Terrestrial Acidification, Photochemical Oxidation Formation, Terrestrial Ecotoxicity, Agricultural Land Occupation and Water Depletion for the original arrangements. The main impacts of 'A' comprised the application of renewable alcohol in its composition and the use of N2 as the inerting fluid used to seal the reactors, while fossil polyol stands out as the main opportunity for improving ‘B’ manufacturing performance. Three redesign proposals were defined for Product ‘A’: renewable alcohol replacement by fossil alcohol, the use of Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) instead of cryogenics for N2 production and reducing the amount of this fluid in the reactors. Renewable polyol was introduced in 'B' instead of the fossil version.Although both measures were proven effective, a second round of LCA indicated that N2 content reduction combined with the PSA technology was more effective in improving the overall performance of 'A' manufacturing than the inclusion of synthetic alcohol in its formulation. The use of renewable polyol is a recommendable practice except for its performances regarding Terrestrial Ecotoxicity and Agricultural Land Occupation, comprising greater contributions compared to its former performance. The environmental consequences of those interventions were also evaluated in collective terms through the Global Environmental Indicator (GEI). For ‘A’, GEI confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed measures, which, when associated reduced the impacts originally identified in its processing by 74%, while renewable polyol was not able make ‘B’ production less environmentally aggressive.

Effect Methanol, Ethanol, Butanol on the Emissions Characteristics of Gasoline Engine

The increasing volume of motorized vehicles leads to an increase in dependence on fossil fuels and an increase in air pollution. The problem can be reduced by utilizing renewable alcohol fuels such as methanol, ethanol, and butanol. The high number of octane and oxygen content is the main reason. Therefore, this study aims to observe the exhaust emissions of the 160 cc gasoline engine with a mixture of methanol, ethanol, and butanol. The percentage of alcohol used is 0 % to 30 % by volume. The test was carried out in 2000, 3000, and 4000 rpm. The results of the study explained that the use of methanol, ethanol, butanol in the fuel mixture was proven to reduce exhaust emissions. CO and HC emissions decreased as the percentage of alcohol in the fuel increased. The highest reduction in CO and HC emission in methanol blended fuel was 30 %, 94.55 % and 82.71 %, respectively. Meanwhile, CO2 emissions increased by 34.88 % at 2000 rpm engine speed. Based on this test, the addition of methanol to fuel can reduce exhaust emissions better than ethanol and butanol.

The effects of innovative blends of petrol with renewable fuels on the exhaust emissions of a GDI Euro 6d-TEMP car

A Euro 6d-TEMP GDI passenger car was tested with four different fuels both in the laboratory and on the road. Bionaphtha, methanol, bioethanol, and bio-ETBE (ethyl tert-butyl ether) were selected as the most promising products to be blended with petrol, in order to reduce its carbon footprint. The research aimed at measuring the exhaust emissions released when feeding the vehicle with renewable streams for fuels, to verify their conformity to the Euro standards and to compare the emissions with those released using a reference commercial petrol containing a typical level of bio-ETBE (Fuel A). Fuel B was a mixture of renewable oxygenates and hydrocarbons, containing bioethanol and bionaphtha. Fuel C contained a high level of renewable ethers (bio-ETBE) and Fuel D contained a not negligible level of renewable alcohols (methanol and bioethanol). The measurements included not only regulated pollutants, but also non-regulated pollutants and greenhouse gases. All exhaust emissions of the tested fuels were compliant with Euro 6 standard (for WLTP, Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure) and with Not-To-Exceed limits (for RDE, Real Driving Emissions). Compared with the reference fuel A in WLTP tests, Fuel B showed a statistically significant reduction in fuel consumption (−3.4%) and in CO2 emissions (−6.9%). Fuel C caused a decrease of CO and NO2 (−22.3% and −2.9%, respectively) and an increase in NOx emissions (+50.7%) and fuel consumption (+1.6%). Finally, with Fuel D the NOx emissions have increased (+48.1%). The emission of total aldehydes, only measured and detectable during cold conditions of the WLTP cycle, remained in a low range of values (1.5–2.5 mg/km). Based on the performed tests, none of the fuels clearly showed any criticality as a whole for tailpipe emissions. With respect to the laboratory tests, the RDE runs resulted in higher NOx and CO2 emissions and fuel consumption for all fuels, while CO, THC, CH4, and PN (Particles Number) emissions were lower. The percentage changes observed between laboratory and road tests were different, due to the different methodology and the intrinsic non-repeatability of the latter. Moreover, it was demonstrated how the emission factors resulting from the processing of raw measurements through a regulation-compliant software can significantly differ from those directly based on raw measurements.

Extraction of Free Fatty Acid Mixtures from Rice Bran Oil by Aqueous Renewable Alcohols: Liquid-liquid Equilibrium Diagram and Number of Equilibrium Stages

This work is aimed to measure the liquid-liquid equilibria of rice bran oil-fatty acid-aqueous alcohols using fatty acid mixtures derived from rice bran oil as solutes and to calculate the number of equilibrium stages required for the extraction process. Renewable alcohols, ethanol and isopropanol in aqueous form were used as solvents. The liquid-liquid equilibrium data were measured at 25 °C and presented as ternary diagrams. It was found that ethanol gave a lower distribution coefficient than isopropanol. For the same solvent, increasing the water content resulted in a lower distribution coefficient. For the free fatty acid contents of 30% in the feed and of 10% to 2.5% in the raffinate, the minimum solvent-to-feed ratio was found to be in the range of 1 to 5. Using solvent-to-feed ratios from 2 to 4, the number of extraction stages required was in the range of 1 to 8. Based on the minimum solvent-to-feed ratio and number of equilibrium stages, isopropanol was found to be better than ethanol.

Hydrogen and chemicals from alcohols through electrochemical reforming by Pd-CeO2/C electrocatalyst

The development of low-cost and sustainable hydrogen production is of primary importance for a future transition to sustainable energy. In this work, the selective and simultaneous production of pure hydrogen and chemicals from renewable alcohols is achieved using an anion exchange membrane electrolysis cell (electrochemical reforming) employing a nanostructured Pd-CeO2/C anode. The catalyst exhibits high activity for alcohol electrooxidation (e.g. 474 mA cm−2 with EtOH at 60 °C) and the electrolysis cell produces high volumes of hydrogen (1.73 l min−1 m−2) at low electrical energy input (Ecost = 6 kWh kgH2−1 with formate as substrate). A complete analysis of the alcohol oxidation products from several alcohols (methanol, ethanol, 1,2-propandiol, ethylene glycol, glycerol and 1,4-butanediol) shows high selectivity in the formation of valuable chemicals such as acetate from ethanol (100%) and lactate from 1,2-propandiol (84%). Importantly for industrial application, in batch experiments the Pd-CeO2/C catalyst achieves conversion efficiencies above 80% for both formate and methanol, and 95% for ethanol.

Oxidative coupling of bio-alcohols mixture over hierarchically porous perovskite catalysts for sustainable acrolein production.

The acrolein production from bio-alcohols methanol and ethanol mixtures using AMnO3 (since A = Ba and/or Sr) perovskite catalysts was studied. All the prepared samples were characterized by XRD, XPS, N2 sorption, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, TEM, SEM, TGA, and NH3–CO2-TPD. The catalytic oxidation reaction to produce acrolein has occurred via two steps, the alcohols are firstly oxidized to corresponding aldehydes, and then the aldol is coupled with the produced aldehydes. The prepared perovskite samples were modified by doping A (Sr) position with (Ba) to improve the aldol condensation. The most catalytic performance was achieved using the BaSrMnO3 sample in which the acrolein selectivity reached 62% (T = 300 °C, MetOH/EtOH = 1, LHSV = 10 h−1). The increase in acrolein production may be related to the high tendency of BaSrMnO3 toward C–C coupling formation. The C–C tendency attributes to that modification have occurred in acid/base sites because of metal substitution.

Rapid Synthesis of Chemically Recyclable Polycarbonates from Renewable Feedstocks.

We report the rapid, one-pot synthesis of functional polycarbonates derived from renewable alcohols (i.e., glucose tetraacetate, acetyl isosorbide, lauryl alcohol, and ethanol) and a cyclic carbonate bearing an imidazolecarboxylate. This tandem functionalization/ring-opening polymerization strategy can be performed on multigram scale and eliminates the need for rigorous purification and specialized equipment. A wide range of glass transition temperatures (Tg) was accessible from these renewable pendant groups (>75 °C Tg window). We also synthesized several statistical copolycarbonates to show the thermal properties can be tailored with this tandem method. Additionally, we demonstrate a circular polymer economy via chemical recycling to a cyclic carbonate precursor. This work may facilitate development of sustainable polycarbonates with tailored properties that work toward eliminating plastic waste streams.

Alcohol Production from Carbon Dioxide: Methanol as a Fuel and Chemical Feedstock

Summary Production of renewable alcohols from air, water, and sunlight present an avenue to utilize captured carbon dioxide for the production of basic chemicals and store renewable energy in the chemical bonds of liquid fuels. Of the technologies that utilize CO2 directly, CO2 electrolysis, as well as CO2 hydrogenation coupled with H2O electrolysis, have the benefit of requiring only CO2, H2O, and renewable electricity as inputs with O2 as a sole byproduct. Among alcohols, renewable methanol has seen the most development and analysis in the chemical industry because it is currently a syngas-derived product that could be adapted for direct CO2 utilization. In this perspective, we compare renewably powered CO2 electrolysis and CO2 hydrogenation with the incumbent methanol production method from syngas from a cost and CO2 life cycle perspective by analyzing recent literature to identify the research goals that enable further scale-up. Survey of the industry shows that CO2 hydrogenation is among the closest CO2 utilization technologies to large-scale deployment. We further discuss these CO2 hydrogenation systems and the catalysts that drive them, with recommendations to drive further development and scale-up.

Deoxygenative Transition-Metal-Promoted Reductive Coupling and Cross-Coupling of Alcohols and Epoxides

AbstractThe prospective utilization of abundant, CO2-neutral, renewable feedstocks is driving the discovery and development of new reactions that refunctionalize oxygen-rich substrates such as alcohols and polyols through C–O bond activation. In this review, we highlight the development of transition-metal-promoted reactions of renewable alcohols and epoxides that result in carbon–carbon bond-formation. These include reductive self-coupling reactions and cross-coupling reactions of alcohols with alkenes and arene derivatives. Early approaches to reductive couplings employed stoichiometric amounts of low-valent transition-metal reagents to form the corresponding hydrocarbon dimers. More recently, the use of redox-active transition-metal catalysts together with a reductant has enhanced the practical applications and scope of the reductive coupling of alcohols. Inclusion of other reaction partners with alcohols such as unsaturated hydrocarbons and main-group organometallics has further expanded the diversity of carbon skeletons accessible and the potential for applications in chemical synthesis. Catalytic reductive coupling and cross-coupling reactions of epoxides are also highlighted. Mechanistic insights into the means of C–O activation and C–C bond formation, where available, are also highlighted.1 Introduction2 Stoichiometric Reductive Coupling of Alcohols3 Catalytic Reductive Coupling of Alcohols3.1 Heterogeneous Catalysis3.2 Homogeneous Catalysis4 Reductive Cross-Coupling of Alcohols4.1 Reductive Alkylation4.2 Reductive Addition to Olefins5 Epoxide Reductive Coupling Reactions6 Conclusions and Future Directions

Synthesis and Characterization of High-Performance Renewable Diesel Fuel from Bioderived 1-Octen-3-ol

1-Octen-3-ol, a renewable alcohol that can be readily derived from linoleic acid, was dehydrated to a mixture of conjugated octadienes. Diels–Alder cycloaddition of the mixture then generated a com...

Hydrogen Transfer-Mediated Multicomponent Reaction for Direct Synthesis of Quinazolines by a Naphthyridine-Based Iridium Catalyst.

SummarySelective linkage of renewable alcohols and ammonia into functional products would not only eliminate the prepreparation steps to generate active amino agents but also help in the conservation of our finite fossil carbon resources and contribute to the reduction of CO2 emission. Herein the development of a novel 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,8-naphthyridine-based iridium (III) complex is reported, which exhibits excellent catalytic performance toward a new hydrogen transfer-mediated annulation reaction of 2-nitrobenzylic alcohols with alcohols and ammonia. The catalytic transformation proceeds with the striking features of good substrate and functional group compatibility, high step and atom efficiency, no need for additional reductants, and liberation of H2O as the sole by-product, which endows a new platform for direct access to valuable quinazolines. Mechanistic investigations suggest that the non-coordinated N-atom in the ligand serves as a side arm to significantly promote the condensation process by hydrogen bonding.

Production of renewable alcohols from maple wood using supercritical methanol hydrodeoxygenation in a semi-continuous flowthrough reactor

Biomass conversion to alcohols using supercritical methanol depolymerization and hydrodeoxygenation (SCM-DHO) with CuMgAl mixed metal oxide is a promising process for biofuel production.