Properties of Oxygenates Found in Upgraded Biomass Pyrolysis Oil as Components of Spark and Compression Ignition Engine Fuels

Oxygenates present in partially hydroprocessed lignocellulosic-biomass pyrolysis oils were examined for their impact on the performance properties of gasoline and diesel. These included: methyltetrahydrofuran, 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF), 2-hexanone, 4-methylanisole, phenol, p-cresol, 2,4-xylenol, guaiacol, 4-methylguaiacol, 4-methylacetophenone, 4-propylphenol, and 4-propylguaiacol. Literature values indicate that acute toxicity for these compounds falls within the range of the components in petroleum-derived fuels. On the basis of the available data, 4-methylanisole and by extension other methyl aryl ethers appear to be the best drop-in fuel components for gasoline because they significantly increase research octane number and slightly reduce vapor pressure without significant negative fuel property effects. A significant finding is that DMF can produce high levels of gum under oxidizing conditions. If the poor stability results observed for DMF could be addressed with a stabilizer additive or removal of im...