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.
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.