Abstract: Disclosed are a catalyst including a hydrotalcite and, immobilized on a surface thereof, particles of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ag, and Au; a method for producing a carbonyl compound through dehydrogenation of an alcohol in the presence of the catalyst; and a method for producing a carbonyl compound through dehydrogenation of an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst including a hydrotalcite and, immobilized on a surface thereof, particles of a metal, in which dehydrogenation is performed in the absence of oxygen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing furfural from xylose comprising: (a) mixing an aqueous xylose solution containing xylose oligosaccharides with sub-critical or near-critical water to form a mixture at a first temperature and a first pressure; (b) maintaining the mixture at the first temperature and the first pressure for a first time period; and (c) rapidly cooling the mixture to a second temperature and a second pressure, wherein furfural is produced by the process (d) process can also be carried out with or without mixing of carbon dioxide with aqueous xylose solution before it is mixed with sub-critical or near-critical water to form a mixture at a first temperature and pressure.

Abstract: A method for converting a carbohydrate to a furan in a polar aprotic solvent in the presence of a chloride, bromide, or iodide salt or a mixture thereof and optionally in the presence of an acid catalyst, a metal halide catalyst and/or an ionic liquid (up to 40 wt %). The method can be employed in particular to produce furfural or 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.

Abstract: Methods are described for conversion of carbohydrate polymers in ionic liquids, including cellulose, that yield value-added chemicals including, e.g., glucose and 5-hydroxylmethylfurfural (HMF) at temperatures below 120° C. Catalyst compositions that include various mixed metal halides are described that are selective for specified products with yields, e.g., of up to about 56% in a single step process.

Abstract: Paper, cotton, corn stover, straw, and wood are converted into furanic products in high yields (based on their cellulose content) using a simple, inexpensive process involving concurrent hydrolysis, dehydration, and substitution reactions coupled with continuous extraction into an organic phase. In a simultaneous process, the hemicellulose fraction of these substrates is converted into furfural, and together these constitute an efficient means for the total exploitation of the carbohydrate content of biomass.

Abstract: Described is a catalytic process for converting sugars to furan derivatives (e.g. 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, dimethylfuran, etc.) using a biphasic reactor containing a reactive aqueous phase and an organic extracting phase. The process provides a cost-effective route for producing di-substituted furan derivatives. The furan derivatives are useful as value-added intermediates to produce polymers, as precursors to diesel fuel, and as fuel additives.

Abstract: Method for the manufacture of 5-alkoxymethylfurfural derivatives by reacting a fructose and/or glucose-containing starting material with an alcohol in the presence of a catalytic or sub-stoechiometric amount of solid (“heterogeneous”) acid catalyst. The catalysts may be employed in a continuous flow fixed bed or catalytic distillation reactor. The ethers can be applied as a fuel or fuel additive.

Abstract: A modular process for organosolv fractionation of lignocellulosic feedstocks into component parts and further processing of said component parts into at least fuel-grade ethanol and four classes of lignin derivatives. The modular process comprises a first processing module configured for physico-chemically digesting lignocellulosic feedstocks with an organic solvent thereby producing a cellulosic solids fraction and a liquid fraction, a second processing module configured for producing at least a fuel-grade ethanol and a first class of novel lignin derivatives from the cellulosic solids fraction, a third processing module configured for separating a second class and a third class of lignin derivatives from the liquid fraction and further processing the liquid fraction to produce a distillate and a stillage, a fourth processing module configured for separating a fourth class of lignin derivatives from the stillage and further processing the stillage to produce a sugar syrup.

Abstract: Aqueous sulfuric acid is used for hydrolysis of a biomass, constituting a hydrolysate, to produce organic compounds. Organic compounds such as furfural and hyroxymethylfurfural are formed within the hydrolysate. Heterocyclic ring opening within hyroxymethylfurfural forms levulinic acid within the hydrolysate. Furfural and levulinic acid are extracted by a biodiesel fuel oil to increase content of biodiesel fuel oil. Biodiesel fuel oil generally consists of vegetable oils, insoluble in aqueous sulfuric acid, and affords access to, extraction of furfural and levulinic acid. Extracted hydrolysate is recycled for further hydrolysis of biomass.

Abstract: 5-hydroxymethylfurfural of the formula II is prepared via a 5-acyloxymethylfurfural as an intermediate.

Abstract: Methods are described for converting carbohydrates including, e.g., monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides in ionic liquids to value-added chemicals including furans, useful as chemical intermediates and/or feedstocks. Fructose is converted to 5-hydroxylmethylfurfural (HMF) in the presence of metal halide and acid catalysts. Glucose is effectively converted to HMF in the presence of chromium chloride catalysts. Yields of up to about 70% are achieved with low levels of impurities such as levulinic acid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising, consisting of or alternatively consisting essentially of a stabilized furfural or glycol ester of a vegetable oil fatty acid and an antioxidant such as butylated hydroxy toluene. This invention also relates to latex film-forming compositions containing stabilized furfural or glycol esters, such as a stabilized propylene glycol monoester (PGME) mixture. This invention is also directed to methods of stabilizing furfural or glycol esters of a vegetable fatty acid by contacting the esters with an antioxidant such as butylated hydroxy toluene. This invention also includes methods of preparing film-forming compositions comprising a stabilized furfural or glycol ester, such as the stabilized PGME mixture disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method of gaseous acid catalysis which finds particular applications in the manufacture of furfural includes the steps of introducing a solid reactant containing one or more hydroxyl groups into a reactor (1); introducing superheated steam from a superheater (2) until the temperature within the reactor (1) is higher than that of the dew points of both water and the catalyst and the reactant is dry. The catalyst is then introduced into the superheated steam by vaporiser (3). Product gas formed is liquified in condenser (4) and the condensate collected in a buffer tank (5). Separation plant isolates the product gas and recovers the acid catalyst, preferably as its azeotrope with water, and recycles it into the vaporiser.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of furfural wherein a pentosan-containing raw material acidified or not, is heated to a temperature T1 by admitting steam through valve 2 while the valves 3 and 4 are closed. During the very short heating process, the steam condenses, thus increasing the moisture content of the charge. Then, valve 2 is closed and a leak valve 3 is opened so as to produce a steady small flow of product vapor by gradual depressurization. This causes a slow drop in temperature. When a suitably chosen temperature T2 is reached, the leak valve 3 is closed to terminate the first “gradual depressurization”. If at the end of this period no more furfural was obtained, the digestion is completed by opening valve 4 to discharge the residue. If, however, furfural was still obtained, the reactor is reheated and submitted to another “gradual depressurization” period.

Abstract: 2,5-Diformylfuran is prepared from a source of fructose in a one-pot, two-step reaction, in a single solvent system process, using a vanadium catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the production of furfural from lignosulphonate waste liquor which contains pentose is described, the process essentially comprising the maintenance of a boiling condition of the liquor at predetermined pressures for a sufficient time to convert the pentose to furfural and for the furfural produced to be removed without reacting with pentose, lignosulphonate or itself. Hot air or some other gas under pressure or hot mercury may be used to maintain the boiling of the liquor to ensure that the furfural produced transfers from the liquid to the gas phase and is transported from the reactor in the gas stream. Apparatus for carrying out the process includes a columnar reactor (4) with means (8) to control the pressure, an inlet for preheated liquor, an inlet for hot air under pressure at a low level, an outlet for spent liquor and an outlet for the gaseous phase, from which the furfural is recovered.

Abstract: Sugars derived from acidic hydrolysis of biomass consist of glucose and xyloses which are subjected to dehydration, within the hydrolysis environment, to form heterocyclic compounds, furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural. By providing a vessel for hydrolysis of biomass, a hydrolysate containing acid and heterocyclic compounds is formed. Upon withdrawing the hydrolysate from the vessel, and employment of separating means for removing heterocyclic compounds from the hydrolysate, a hydrolysate substantially devoid of heterocyclic compounds is provided for recycle to the vessel and will provide heterocyclic compounds. By withdrawing solids, containing lignins remaining from hydrolysis of biomass, from the vessel, and filtering the solids, to result in a filtrate for recycle to the vessel and provide filtered solids for subsequent processing.

Abstract: Sugars derived from acidic hydrolysis of biomass consist of glucose and xyloses which are subjected to dehydration, within the hydrolysis environment, to form heterocyclic compounds, furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural. By providing a vessel for hydrolysis of biomass, a hydrolysate containing acid and heterocyclic compounds is formed. Upon withdrawing the hydrolysate from the vessel, and employment of separating means for removing heterocyclic compounds from the hydrolysate, a hydrolysate substantially devoid of heterocyclic compounds is provided for recycle to the vessel and will provide heterocyclic compounds. By withdrawing solids, containing lignins remaining from hydrolysis of biomass, from the vessel, and filtering the solids, to result in a filtrate for recycle to the vessel and provide filtered solids for subsequent processing.

Abstract: A method to produce hydroxymethylfurfural from cellulose contained within lignocellulose solids is disclosed. Hemicellulose contained in lignocellulose solids is converted to furfural. Lignocellulose solids, containing cellulose, is added to a vessel containing an aqueous acidic solution which is employed for hydrolysis of cellulose, contained within lignocellulose solids, to form glucose. Subjecting the glucose to additional hydrolysis to convert glucose and form hydroxymethylfurfural and removing hydroxymethylfurfural from the vessel are procedures applied. Solids remaining from hydrolysis containing lignins are filtered and then extracted with water to remove aqueous acidic solution contained within solids and form an extractate containing dilute aqueous acidic solution. The extactate is combined with a dilute solution of aqueous acidic solution removed from the vessel.

Abstract: Sugars derived from acidic hydrolysis of biomass consist of glucose and xyloses which are subjected to dehydration, within the hydrolysis environment, to form heterocyclic compounds, furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural. By providing a vessel for hydrolysis with a supply of a biomass, hydrolysate, containing acid and heterocyclic compounds, is formed. Upon withdrawing the hydrolysate from the vessel, and subjecting the hydrolysate to extracting with a hydrocarbon forms an extractate, containing dissolved heterocyclic compounds within the hydrocarbon, and a raffinate, providing a hydrolysate substantially devoid of heterocyclic compounds for recycle to the hydrolysis vessel. Withdrawing residue remaining from hydrolysis, containing lignins, from the vessel, and subjecting the residue to filtering, resulting in a filtrate for recycle to the vessel and provides filtered residue for subsequent processing. Thereby, heterocyclic compounds are derived from a biomass and withdrawn from the hydrolysis vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of 3-substituted-4-arylquinolin-2-one derivatives from a substituted coumarin and using a photochemical cyclization method on a dihydrofuran intermediate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of the acyl heteroaromatic compounds useful as important intermediates for drugs, pharmaceuticals and flavouring agents, said process comprising reacting an heteroaromatic compound selected from furan, thiophene and pyrrole with a C2-C5 acid anhydride as an acylating agent employing metal ion exchanged clays as catalysts at temperatures in the range of 0-130° C. for a period of 1-24 h, and separating the acyl heteroaromatic compound by a conventional method to obtain a product of high purity.

Abstract: A method of producing dehydration products from one more 5-carbon or 6-carbon sugars includes reacting said one or more sugars at 40-240.degree. C. for 1 to 96 hours in the presence of 5-90% sulfuric acid, separating the reaction products, and recovering levulinic acid. The sugars are can be generated from strong acid hydrolysis of biomass, such as rice straw, paper, cotton and other cellulosic materials.

Abstract: A method of producing dehydration products from one or more 5-carbon or 6-carbon sugars includes reacting said one or more sugars at 40.degree.-240 .degree. C. for 1 to 96 hours in the presence of 10-90% sulfuric acid, separating the reaction products, and recovering levulinic acid. The sugars can be generated from strong acid hydrolysis of biomass, such as rice straw, paper, cotton and other cellulosic materials.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## where the symbols have the meaning described in the application, have retinoid-like or retinoid antagonist-like biological activity.

Abstract: A continuous process for producing levulinic acid from carbohydrate-containing materials in high yields is described. According to the process, a carbohydrate-containing material is supplied continuously to a first reactor and hydrolyzed at between 210.degree. C. and 230.degree. C. for between 13 seconds and 25 seconds in the presence of between 1% and 5% by weight mineral acid. The hydrolysis produces hydroxymethylfurfural, which is removed continuously from the first reactor and supplied continuously to a second reactor. In the second reactor, the hydroxymethylfurfural is hydrolyzed further at between 195.degree. C. and 215.degree. C. for between 15 minutes and 30 minutes to produce levulinic acid, which is continuously removed from the second reactor. The levulinic acid preferably is produced in at least 60%, and more preferably at least 70%, of the theoretical yield based on the hexose content of the carbohydrate-containing material.

Abstract: In a combined process for the thermal and chemical treatment of lignocellulose-containing biomass and for the production of furfural, biomass is supplied to a cooker in batches, is heated in the cooker under the addition of cooking liquor, and cellulose or pre-treated biomass is withdrawn from the cooker in batches. In order to guarantee a high yield of furfural, cooking liquor is withdrawn from the cooker during the heating phase and is fed to a furfural production plant, and the cooking liquor at least largely freed from pentoses and furfural is returned to the cooker.

Abstract: A feed suspension of pentosan-containing organic raw materials in dilute sulfuric acid is passed with low residence time through a flow reactor heated by high-pressure steam to 170.degree.-230.degree. C. and then through a cooler in which it is cooled to 140.degree.-200.degree. C. before the suspension is admitted to a flash evaporating unit from which a furfural-rich vapor phase is separated from the residual suspension. Process water is recovered from the residual suspension and recycled for the preparation of the feed suspension. From the vapor phase, furfural is recovered by distillation, either directly or after liquefaction. In the latter case, partial condensation in a primary condenser can be used to increase the furfural concentration in the final condenser, the condensate of the primary condenser being recycled for the preparation of the feed suspension.

Abstract: A process for producing furfural and levulinic acid from lignocellulose includes subjecting a sample of lignocellulose to acid degradation at an elevated temperature for a minute or less, during which time at least fifty percent of the furfural that theoretically can be derived from the sample is generated. The resulting mixture is then subjected to a second acid degradation at an elevated temperature to produce levulinic acid. During the second acid degradation, furfural vapors are continuously collected from the mixture.

Abstract: Aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, aromatic or araliphatic halogen compounds are reductively dehalogenated by reaction with hydrocarbons in the presence of carbon in the liquid phase at from 100.degree. to 450.degree. C. with formation of hydrogen halides.

Abstract: Furfural yield and selectivity are maximized by reacting a 1 to 10 percent pentose 0.05 to 0.2 normal mineral acid aqueous solution in a plug flow reactor operated at a temperature between 220.degree. C. and 300.degree. C. The reaction residence time is short and is between 0.5 and 100 seconds. This special high severity plug flow reactor operation may be operated in any configuration to recover the furfural product. Two preferred arrangements are a single phase, pentose recycle operation in which the furfural is recovered by solvent extraction and distillation, and a two phase, solvent recycle operation in which solvent is added to the reactor and furfural is recovered from the solvent by distillation. In some embodiments, the solvent has a boiling point higher than the boiling point of furfural and the ratio of solvent to aqueous phase on a weight to weight basis is between 0.25 and 2.

Abstract: Furfural or derivatives thereof, especially 5-chloromethyl furfural, is inhibited against the formation of resinous decomposition products by addition of epoxy compounds such as the reaction product of epichlorohydrin and bisphenol A.

Abstract: A method of recovering or extracting chemicals, such as furfural, formic acid, acetic acid and other organic compounds from acidic hydrolysates of plants or vegetable matter, especially spent sulfite liquors after conversion of the pentosans into pentoses and then into furfural by heating the hydrolysate in an acidic environment. The conversion of the pentosans pentoses into furfural, preferably with acidulation, is accomplished in a counterflow or countercurrent flow heat exchanger and a reactor, preferably a tubular reactor. The hydrolysate which has additionally been heated and converted in the reactor is used as a heating medium or heat carrier for heating up the hydrolysate which is converted in the counterflow heat exchanger, whereupon there is recovered as the distillate furfural in conjunction with the formic acid, acetic acid and the like.

Abstract: A hydroformylation process is disclosed in which unsaturated cyclic ethers, such as unsaturated furans can be hydroformylated in good yield and under relatively mild conditions.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for producing furfural from plant materials. The hydrolysis of pentosanes contained in plant materials is effected in a first reactor (2) in the presence of a strong concentrated acid, at 20.degree.-70.degree. C., at atmospheric pressure, and dehydration of the pentoses into furfural is effected in a second reactor (5) by vapor action at atmospheric pressure and at a temperature lower or equal to 110.degree. C., in a strong acid concentrated medium. Application: production of furfural.

Abstract: Oxole compounds, e.g. furan, are produced by contacting alkenes and/or alkadienes with molecular oxygen in the presence of an antimony catalyst.