Reductive dimerization of furfural via a continuous process
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsPatrick J. Kinlen, William F. Lyons
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Abstract
Described herein are methods for the continuous preparation of 1,2-di(furan-2-yl)ethane-1,2-diol from furan-2-carbaldehyde. The methods can proceed chemically or electrochemically. In certain examples, the methods further comprise the application of a static mixer. The present methods produce 1,2-di(furan-2-yl)ethane-1,2-diol in greater yield, purity, chemoselectivity, and stereoselectivity than traditional batch methods.
Claims21
A method for continuously preparing 1,2-di(furan-2-yl)ethane-1,2-diol from furan-2-carbaldehyde:
- the method comprising:
- introducing a first reactant stream comprising said furan-2-carbaldehyde;
- introducing a second reactant stream comprising a catalyst salt, the catalyst salt introduced at a concentration of about 1/100 or less of a concentration of the furan-2-carbaldehyde;
- contacting said first reactant stream with said second reactant stream to form a mixture;
- and
- passing said mixture through a sacrificial reactor column to produce said 1,2-di(furan-2-yl)ethane-1,2-diol, the sacrificial reactor column comprising a metal,
- wherein said method proceeds in the presence of a solvent, and
- wherein said method produces the 1,2-di(furan-2-yl)ethane-1,2-diol in at least 90% yield.
A method for continuously preparing 1,2-di(furan-2-yl)ethane-1,2-diol from furan-2-carbaldehyde:
- the method comprising:
- introducing a first reactant stream comprising said furan-2-carbaldehyde;
- introducing a second reactant stream comprising a catalyst salt;
- contacting said first reactant stream with said second reactant stream to form a mixture;
- and
- passing said mixture through a reactor column to produce said 1.2-di(furan-2-yl)ethane-1,2-diol,
- wherein said method proceeds by an electrochemical process.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.