Synthesis of highly-strained biomass-derived jet fuel via photocycloaddition and cyclopropanation

Developing advanced fuels based on renewable biomass is of great significance for decarbonizing aviation, but energy-density enhancement remains a long-term challenge. Herein, polycyclic strained hydrocarbons as high-performance biofuels are designed and synthesized from biomass-derived isoprene via photocycloaddition and cyclopropanation reactions. The photocycloadditon process of isoprene is optimized by screening photosensitizers to selectively form [2 + 2], [4 + 2] and [4 + 4] dimers. The yield of the photocycloaddition product reaches 90 %, and the first-order kinetic model of photocycloadditon reaction is established. Furthermore, the experimental and theoretical studies provide compelling evidence to support the energy transfer process of isoprene photocycloadditon. Based on the theoretical basic combustion properties of cyclopropane-functionalized dimers, PC-4 and PC-mix fuels are developed, which possess high net heat of combustion of 44.07 MJ/kg and 43.84 MJ/kg, high specific impulse of 331.61 s and 330.56 s, respectively, and excellent low-temperature performance (< −60 °C). The advanced biofuels are designed and synthesized from biomass-derived isoprene via tailored photocycloaddition and cyclopropanation reactions. The polycyclic strained structure can achieve performance enhancement of sustainable jet fuels for application. • Novel polycyclic strained hydrocarbons are synthesized through photocycloadditon and cyclopropanation. • The photocycloadditon process, following an energy transfer process, is optimized. • Theoretical simulation prediction enables the development of cyclopropane-functionalized dimers. • Two types of advanced biofuels have high densities of 0.873 and 0.883 g/cm 3 , high impulse of 331.61 and 330.56 s.