Kinetics of Furfural Formation from Xylose via a Boronic Ester Intermediate

Abstract

Previous studies showed that furfural can be made from lignocellulosic biomass with higher selectivity when the xylose is first converted to a boronic ester intermediate. So far, this has only been demonstrated on a laboratory scale with lab-grade reagents. This work aims to lay out the foundations needed for future development of an industrial process. Several parameters have been investigated, such as stirring rate, temperature, and choice of solvent and boronic acid. The reaction has also been validated for use with a real feedstock (i.e., bagasse acid hydrolysate). Additionally, a model has been developed for one combination of reagents, which predicts that at temperatures above 220 °C and a residence time below 400 s, furfural can be made from xylose via this route at more than 70% selectivity on a molar basis and 0.1 t/m3/h.