One Pot Conversion of Cellulose to Dipropyl Ether and Dodecane
Abstract
Cellulose is one of the most abundant renewable biopolymers, and its conversion into alkane hydrocarbons represents a critical step towards meeting increasing demands for sustainable fuel production. Traditional processes for this conversion require high hydrogen pressures and extreme temperatures, with molecular hydrogen often sourced from petroleum refining. Cellulose is typically broken down into smaller hydrocarbons, deoxygenated, and undergoes catalytic hydrogen transfer to form desirable products. This study, however, demonstrates an alternative pathway for conversion of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) by employing metal oxides and hydrogen metal oxides (bronzes) under a modified ASTM E3417-24 acid hydrolysis protocol. Toluene allowed for extraction of hydrocarbon products. This method achieves cellulose conversion at lower temperatures without reliance on high-pressure hydrogen gas, offering a more practical approach. Ongoing characterization by GC-MS and GC-FID has identified dipropyl ether as a major product of interest and dodecane as a minor product, highlighting the potential of bronze-catalyzed systems to generate distinct hydrocarbon derivatives under relatively mild conditions.
Start Time
15-4-2026 9:00 AM
End Time
16-4-2026 10:00 AM
Room Number
219
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
UG Orals
Presentation Category
Science, Technology, and Engineering
Student Type
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor
Dane Scott
One Pot Conversion of Cellulose to Dipropyl Ether and Dodecane
219
Cellulose is one of the most abundant renewable biopolymers, and its conversion into alkane hydrocarbons represents a critical step towards meeting increasing demands for sustainable fuel production. Traditional processes for this conversion require high hydrogen pressures and extreme temperatures, with molecular hydrogen often sourced from petroleum refining. Cellulose is typically broken down into smaller hydrocarbons, deoxygenated, and undergoes catalytic hydrogen transfer to form desirable products. This study, however, demonstrates an alternative pathway for conversion of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) by employing metal oxides and hydrogen metal oxides (bronzes) under a modified ASTM E3417-24 acid hydrolysis protocol. Toluene allowed for extraction of hydrocarbon products. This method achieves cellulose conversion at lower temperatures without reliance on high-pressure hydrogen gas, offering a more practical approach. Ongoing characterization by GC-MS and GC-FID has identified dipropyl ether as a major product of interest and dodecane as a minor product, highlighting the potential of bronze-catalyzed systems to generate distinct hydrocarbon derivatives under relatively mild conditions.
