Conversion of Cellulose into Amphiphilic Alkyl Glycosides Catalyzed by Aquivion, a Perfluorosulfonic Acid Polymer

The perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) AquivionPW98 is an amphiphilic solid superacid which is shown to catalyze the conversion of cellulose into amphiphilic alkyl glycosides (AAGs) in 85% yield (with 97% selectivity). The process involves a mechanocatalytic depolymerization of cellulose followed by a direct glycosylation with n-dodecanol. In comparison to H2SO4 and solid acid catalysts commonly employed in cellulose processing, Aquivion PFSA PW98 is not only recyclable but also exhibits superior catalytic performances in terms of yield, selectivity, and reactor productivity.