Abstract: A method of producing levoglucosenone from particulate cellulosic material. The method comprises forming a premix of particulate cellulosic material, water, acid and a polar organic solvent. The solvent has a higher boiling point than levoglucosenone. The pre-mix is fed into a pyrolysis reactor, such as a fluidised bed reactor, in which the pre-mix is fluidised by a fluidising gas. The reactor is maintained at a temperature within the range 250° C. to 450° C., and gaseous products and char are withdrawn from the pyrolysis reactor. Levoglucosenone and the polar organic solvent are condensed from the gaseous products, produced by the reactor.

Abstract: A method of producing levoglucosenone from particulate cellulosic material. The method comprises forming a premix of particulate cellulosic material, water, acid and a polar organic solvent. The solvent has a higher boiling point than levoglucosenone. The pre-mix is fed into a pyrolysis reactor, such as a fluidised bed reactor, in which the pre-mix is fluidised by a fluidising gas. The reactor is maintained at a temperature within the range 250° C. to 450° C., and gaseous products and char are withdrawn from the pyrolysis reactor. Levoglucosenone and the polar organic solvent are condensed from the gaseous products, produced by the reactor.

Abstract: A method of converting particulate lignocellulosic material to produce volatile organic compounds and char, comprising, forming a mixture of the particulate lignocellulosic material with a catalyst composition containing polar organic liquid and an acid in the presence or absence of added water, heating the mixture to a temperature sufficiently high and for a period sufficiently long as to convert a major portion of any remaining solid phase of the mixture to char while agitating the mixture, and separating volatile organic compounds and the catalyst composition as a gaseous phase from the solid phase.

Abstract: A method of converting particulate lignocellulosic material to produce volatile organic compounds and char, comprising, forming a mixture of the particulate lignocellulosic material with a catalyst composition containing polar organic liquid and an acid in the presence or absence of added water, heating the mixture to a temperature sufficiently high and for a period sufficiently long as to convert a major portion of any remaining solid phase of the mixture to char whilst agitating the mixture, and separating volatile organic compounds and the catalyst composition as a gaseous phase from the solid phase.