Influence of Lewis and Brønsted acid catalysts in the transformation of hexoses into 5-ethoxymethylfurfural

Several sulfonated polymers, which are typical Brønsted acid catalysts, have been employed in the production of two biofuels: 5-ethoxymethylfurfural (EMF) and ethyl levulinate (EL) as main byproduct, catalytic results attributed to their different chemical morphological properties. The Purolite CT275DR attained best from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) with a 63% EMF yield after 16 h at 100 °C thanks more abundant superficial sites. Moreover, was able efficiently dehydrate etherify fructose, total plus EL 65% 24 °C. When glucose or galactose were used feedstock, alumina utilized provide Lewis sites, necessary for transformation aldoses solution enabling combined biofuel (EMF EL) 40% 140 With study role each catalyst, both catalysts (resin alumina, respectively) required obtain considerable yields aldoses. reutilization 5 runs demonstrated that suffers no appreciable loss activity, but showed progressive losses activity cycle due carbonaceous deposits catalyst loss.