(126b) Conversion of Furfural to Cyclopentanone over Ru/TiO2 | AIChE

(126b) Conversion of Furfural to Cyclopentanone over Ru/TiO2

Authors 

Crossley, S. - Presenter, University of Oklahoma
Omotoso, T. - Presenter, University of Oklahoma
Briggs, N. - Presenter, University of Oklahoma
Vann, T. - Presenter, University of Oklahoma

The conversion of biomass derived furanic species to useful compounds is a challenging task, especially in the presence of the water, carboxylic aicds, and phenolics that are commonly present in real streams. Under the severe conditions required for the stabilization of these oxygenated species, furanic compounds readily undergo humin and coke formation. In this contribution, we discuss the selective transformation of furanic species to the thermally stable cyclopentanone via a Piancatelli rearrangement. We discuss the role of active sites and co-adsorbed species on Ru/TiO2 for this transformation in the vapor phase. The role of partially hydrogenated intermediates, surface bound water, as well as defects on the TiO2 support are discussed. Model compound studies are presented with accompanying reaction kinetics. Results are also presented with real biomass torrefaction vapors, where we report the rare circumstance selectivity enhancement to cyclopentanone by co-adsorption of various oxygenates.