Cover Picture: Synthesis of Furfural from Xylose and Xylan (ChemSusChem 11/2010)

The cover picture is from the Communication by Binder et al. on p. 1268. Xylan, a polymer of xylose, is a primary component of birch and other hardwoods. The authors report on the one-step conversion of xylan into furfural, a commodity chemical. Their process, which uses mild conditions, offers an advantageous route from pentosans to renewable fuels and chemicals.