Synthesis of Furfural from Xylose and Xylan

Furans from pentoses: Pentose-derived furfural is a commodity chemical produced from lignocellulose. A new route to furfural from renewable carbohydrates uses chromium catalysts under mild conditions to avail a chemical mechanism distinct from the usual acid catalysis. Applicable to both xylose and xylan, this new method offers an advantageous route to biomass-derived chemicals.