The green conversion of N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine into platform chemicals and biochar

Curtis, Gregory Chipman Thomas (2014) The green conversion of N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine into platform chemicals and biochar. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

[English] PDF - Accepted Version Available under License - The author retains copyright ownership and moral rights in this thesis. Neither the thesis nor substantial extracts from it may be printed or otherwise reproduced without the author's permission. Download (85MB)

Abstract

The green conversion of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine into substituted furans (3-acetamido-5- acetylfuran [3A5AF], 5-hydroxymethylfurfural [5-HMF], 5-acetyl-3-amino-furan [5Ac3NH2F] and 3-aminofurfural [3NH2F]) was achieved in subcritical water in the presence of boric acid and sodium chloride. The maximum molar yield for 3A5AF was 75% with a selectivity of > 90% at 180⁰C in 10 minutes while 5-hydroxylmethylfurfural was obtained with a 69 mol % (>85% selectivity) yield at 220⁰C in 10 minutes. Biochar was the main by-product of the hydrothermal reaction and thus it was characterized and its potential will be discussed. Reaction conditions were evaluated including substrate concentration, temperature, time, additive concentration and solvent recycling. Based on previous research in our group, the additives with desirable properties (low toxicity) are boric acid and sodium chloride. The synergy observed in this catalytic system shall be discussed along with selectivity and comparison to additive-free experiments.

Actions (login required)

View Item