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Lignocellulose Conversion via Catalytic Transformations Yields Methoxyterephthalic Acid Directly from Sawdust
Simon S Pedersen1, Gabriel M F Batista1, Martin L Henriksen2
1Carbon Dioxide Activation Center (CADIAC), Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University; Gustav Wieds Vej 14, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
JACS Au
|May 1, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed a new biobased route to methoxyterephthalic acid from tree sawdust. This sustainable process creates a valuable monomer for producing high-performance methoxy-polyesters.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomass Conversion
- Organic Synthesis
Background:
- Poly(ethylene terephthalate) is a widely used thermoplastic polyester derived from petrochemicals.
- Methoxy-polyesters offer similar properties but lack established biobased synthetic routes for their key methoxyterephthalic acid monomer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a viable biobased synthetic route for methoxyterephthalic acid from tree-derived biomass.
- To explore the potential of methoxy-polyesters as sustainable alternatives to conventional polyesters.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a three-catalytic-step process starting with sawdust.
- Converted sawdust to aryl nitrile intermediates via hydrogenolysis.
- Employed fluorosulfation-catalytic cyanation (>90% yield) followed by hydrolysis and oxidation to obtain methoxyterephthalic acid.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized methoxyterephthalic acid from various tree species.
- Achieved high yields in the catalytic cyanation step.
- Produced a methoxy-polyester with acceptable thermal properties through preliminary polymerization.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrated a novel and efficient biobased pathway to methoxyterephthalic acid.
- Highlighted the potential of utilizing wood biomass for sustainable polyester production.
- Indicated promising properties of biobased methoxy-polyesters for industrial applications.
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