5-Hydroxymethylfurfural
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HMF is an organic compound derived from plant-based sugars (i.e. glucose & fructose). As a platform chemical, it can be processed into various biochemicals that are currently still derived from fossil fuels. HMF is highly water soluble and can be processed into diesel-like liquid biofuels ("furanic biofuels"). These are in some ways superior to ethanol. For example, compared to ethanol, 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) has a higher energy density, has a higher boiling point (by 20°C), and is not soluble in water. DMF is similar to gasoline and is compatible with the existing liquid transportation fuel infrastructure, having already been used as a gasoline additive.
Recent Research
Here is a study from the Institute of Chemistry at the University of Rostock, Germany: Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) Biomass-Derived Platform Chemicals: Thermodynamic Studies on the Conversion of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural into Bulk Intermediates
Production using microwave: HMF can be produced from fructose by microwaving, according to this study: File:Paper1829.pdf. The elevated reaction temperatures of 150-180°C require this to take place under high pressure.
Using formic acid: Here is an article that describes the "Efficient Production of the Liquid Fuel 2,5-Dimethylfuran from Fructose Using Formic Acid as a Reagent". Formic acid is readily available as a [[Biochemicals_From_Pyrolysis|organic chemical from pyrolysis}.
An a article in Technology Review (link here) reports on research about a new catalyst (chromium chloride) that can get the most HMF from glucose and works at temperatures of 80 °C for fructose and 100 °C for glucose.
External Links
- Appropedia page that this page was derived from
- Wikipedia: 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural
- Treehugger: Yet Another BioFuel Option: 2,5-Dimethylfuran
- Article in Technology Review: Plastics from Sugar - New catalysts convert glucose into a valuable chemical feedstock.