Catalytic synthesis of 2-furyl methanol from leaves of Acacia auriculiformis using zinc chloride: a pathway to green chemical synthesis
BACKGROUND
The catalytic conversion of biomass-derived feedstocks into valuable chemicals is a key focus in sustainable chemistry. This study explores the zinc chloride (ZnCl2)-catalyzed synthesis of 2-furyl methanol from Acacia auriculiformis leaves. The influence of reaction parameters, including catalyst concentration, temperature, and time, on product yield was systematically investigated.
RESULTS
Gas chromatographic–mass spectrometric results confirmed the formation of 2-furyl methanol, with a maximum yield of 9.35%, equivalent to 458.04 mg g−1 of feed, obtained at 40 °C using 1.0% ZnCl2 catalyst. The reaction pathway involves ZnCl2-assisted thermal hydrolysis, dehydration, and mild hydrogenation of hemicellulose-derived pentose sugars. Comparative catalyst studies (using BaCl2, NaOH, ZnO, CaO, and MgO) revealed that ZnCl2 exhibited superior selectivity and efficiency in the conversion process.
期刊介绍:
Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology(JCTB) is an international, inter-disciplinary peer-reviewed journal concerned with the application of scientific discoveries and advancements in chemical and biological technology that aim towards economically and environmentally sustainable industrial processes.