Green Chemistry: Sorbitol to Useful Platform Molecules

Presentation Type

Poster/Portfolio

Presenter Major(s)

Biomedical Sciences

Mentor Information

Dalila Kovacs

Department

Chemistry

Location

Kirkhof Center KC38

Start Date

10-4-2013 8:00 AM

End Date

10-4-2013 9:00 AM

Keywords

Environment, Sustainability, Technology

Abstract

Conversion of biomass to platform molecules brings hope for a world of limited and diminishing fossil fuels. Hydrogenolysis is a method of cleaving C-C, and C-O bonds, which allows the breakdown of biomass to useful platform molecules. Many biomass refinery procedures involve usage of metal catalysts, and extremely harsh reaction conditions. Biorefinary processes typically start with hydrogenation of cellulose to glucose, followed by hydrogenolysis of glucose to mainly Sorbitol. Sorbitol can undergo numerous subsequent conversions to platform molecules depending on reactions conditions. In search for a greener pathway for Sorbitol conversion, less energy-demanding reactions, less harmful materials, and no catalysts were under investigation. In our experiments, hydrogenolysis of Sorbitol yields xylose as the major product. Research continues into sorbitol conversion, to gain more knowledge about how sugars can be broken down to valuable platform molecules.

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Apr 10th, 8:00 AM Apr 10th, 9:00 AM

Green Chemistry: Sorbitol to Useful Platform Molecules

Kirkhof Center KC38

Conversion of biomass to platform molecules brings hope for a world of limited and diminishing fossil fuels. Hydrogenolysis is a method of cleaving C-C, and C-O bonds, which allows the breakdown of biomass to useful platform molecules. Many biomass refinery procedures involve usage of metal catalysts, and extremely harsh reaction conditions. Biorefinary processes typically start with hydrogenation of cellulose to glucose, followed by hydrogenolysis of glucose to mainly Sorbitol. Sorbitol can undergo numerous subsequent conversions to platform molecules depending on reactions conditions. In search for a greener pathway for Sorbitol conversion, less energy-demanding reactions, less harmful materials, and no catalysts were under investigation. In our experiments, hydrogenolysis of Sorbitol yields xylose as the major product. Research continues into sorbitol conversion, to gain more knowledge about how sugars can be broken down to valuable platform molecules.