Synthesis of High-Density Components of Jet Fuel from Lignin-Derived Aromatics via Alkylation and Subsequent Hydrodeoxygenation

High-density polycyclic alkanes prepared from lignocellulose biomass are an important substitute for fossil fuels. Here, we reported a synthesis strategy in that lignin-derived phenol and benzyl acetate were used to synthesize jet fuel-range high-density alkanes. Benzylphenols (C13-oxygenated compounds) were synthesized through the alkylation reaction of phenol and benzyl acetate over a montmorillonite (MMT) catalyst. The lewis acid site of MMT is favorable for the formation of the benzyl cation, promoting the alkylation reaction. Under the conditions of 140 degrees C and 2 h, the yield of alkylation products reaches 70%. Subsequently, the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of alkylation products was conducted over a 5 wt % Pd/C catalyst, and the yield of 85% hydrocarbons was obtained. Perhydrofluorene and dicyclohexylmethane were the dominant components in the HDO products. The density and heating values of HDO products were 0.956 g/cm(3) and 38.9 MJ/L, respectively.

Automated summary

High-density polycyclic alkanes prepared from lignocellulose biomass are synthesized using lignin-derived phenol and benzyl acetate, followed by hydrodeoxygenation reaction over a Pd/C catalyst. The HDO products show high density and heating values, with perhydrofluorene and dicyclohexylmethane as dominant components. This strategy provides a potential alternative to fossil fuels.