Graphical Abstract (Image: onlinelibrary.wiley.com)
The catalytic conversion of furfural into a 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid-based polyester, linked by the disproportionation of furoate to furan and 2,5-furandicarboxylate, is reported.
In this manner, all carbons are utilized, demonstrating the success of combining a platform molecule from C5 sugars (furfural) to one from C6 sugars (2,5-FDCA).
The total operating cost (raw materials, utilities, fixed costs and depreciation costs) estimated to produce PEF was about $2,700/ton in Q2 2015.
However, bio-degradation of PET will result in breakdown products such as methane or (at best, if methane is recovered/converted to) CO2, the so called Greenhouse Gases, which in this case a derived from oil.
Why not from furfural? 1,4 butanediol, commonly known as BDO has been made in the past from furfural.
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