Synthesis of a Sustainable Cellulose-Derived Biofuel Through a 1-Pot, 2-Catalyst Tandem Reaction

The preparation, characterisation and application of two catalysts active in selective hydrogenation (Pt/TiO2) and esterification (mesoporous SiO2 material modified with tethered sulfonic acid groups) reactions is described. The catalysts are characterised using a range of spectroscopic, microscopic and adsorption techniques. Pt/TiO2 catalysts promote valeric acid (a cellulose derived platform molecule) hydrogenation to pentanol, while –SO3H modified mesoporous SiO2 catalysts convert valeric acid/pentanol mixtures to pentyl valerate (a 10-C molecule which can be used as a diesel fuel substitute). Admixtures of the two catalysts catalyse the tandem conversion of valeric acid/hydrogen mixtures to form pentyl valerate in a single reaction. A rationale for the observed reactivity, selectivity and carbon balance is proposed.