Surfactants of biological origin: The role of Mo(VI) and microwaves in the synthesis of xylan-based non-ionic surfactants

Carbohydr Polym. 2016 Jun 25:144:297-304. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.02.070. Epub 2016 Feb 27.

Abstract

Microwave-assisted, phosphomolybdic acid (PMoA) catalyzed, glycosylation of unprotected d-xylose and d-lyxose, obtained after tandem Mo(VI)-catalyzed xylan hydrolysis-epimerization reaction, provides alkyl xylosides and lyxosides in short reaction times. A homologous series of amphiphilic alkyl pentosides varying in chain structure (C8-C14) was prepared in very good yields (38-73%). A new catalytic approach using the reusable heterogeneous PMoA/SiO2 catalyst provides benefits in terms of yields, environmental safety, operational simplicity, and thus opens new perspectives for the rational hemicellulose biomass utilization.

Keywords: Amphiphilic alkyl pentosides; Bio-surfactants; Heterogeneous catalysis; Xylan.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Chemistry Techniques, Synthetic
  • Hydrolysis
  • Microwaves*
  • Molybdenum / chemistry*
  • Silica Gel / chemistry
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemical synthesis*
  • Surface-Active Agents / chemistry*
  • Xylans / chemical synthesis*
  • Xylans / chemistry*

Substances

  • Surface-Active Agents
  • Xylans
  • Silica Gel
  • Molybdenum