Solvent-free synthesis of C9 and C10 branched alkanes with furfural and 3-pentanone from lignocellulose

Jet fuel range branched alkanes were first synthesized under solvent-free conditions by the aldol condensation of furfural and 3-pentanone from lignocellulose followed by the one-step hydrodeoxygenation (HDO). Among the investigated solid base catalysts, CaO and KF/Al2O3 demonstrated the highest activity for the aldol condensation reaction of furfural and 3-pentanone. The aldol condensation product of furfural and 3-pentanone (liquid at room temperature) was directly hydrodeoxygenated to 4-methyl-nonane and 4-methyl-octane. These alkanes have low freezing points (174.1 K and 159.8 K) and can be blended into jet fuel without hydroisomerization. Among the investigated HDO catalysts, the Ni-Cu/SiO2 exhibited the best performance. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.