Comprehensive study on the catalytic methods for furyl alkane synthesis: A promising biodiesel precursor

Abstract In recent years, furyl methanes are considered as important precursors in the biodiesel and jet fuel synthesis. Different catalysts such as mineral acid, solid acid, carbonaceous solid acid, ionic liquid, supported mixed metal or metal oxide and Lewis acid have been tested for cost-effective production of furyl methanes directly from commercially available or in situ generated aldehydes from biomass. Moreover, broad ranges of feedstock from carbohydrates have been used to generate FF (Furfural) and their performances have been investigated. Most of the reported methods have shown promising selectivity of the furyl methanes with the higher conversion rate of HAA (Hydroxyalkylation/alkylation) reactions under different catalysts. Production and upgrading methods for furyl methane based diesel precursors have not been surveyed in any review paper to date. This comprehensive review provides insight into the state-of-the-art accomplishments in the catalytic techniques to generate biodiesel precursors via hydroxyalkylation/alkylation reaction of furan derivatives with aryl and aliphatic or heteroaryl aldehydes.