PYROLYSIS OF 1,3-BUTANEDIOL AS A MODEL REACTION FOR WOOD LIQUEFACTION IN SUPERCRITICAL WATER

1,3-Butanediol was pyrolyzed at 425 degree C in a batch reactor as a model system for liquefaction of lignocellulosic materials such as wood. The observed gas and liquid products were consistent with fragmentation, dehydration, and condensation/polymerization reaction pathways. Reaction in supercritical water altered the selectivity of the reactions to give mainly propene and formaldehyde. Dehydration and the formation of two-carbon products were suppressed by water. The conversion of 1,3-butanediol in dilute aqueous solutions increased three to four fold when the reaction density was increased by 33%. Trace oxygen was an important inhibitor, particularly in the dilute solution, but had only a minor effect on the reaction selectivity.