KADIOL Cathodic 1,5-pentanediol and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran synthesis from renewable raw materials

The KADIOL project aims to electrochemically synthesize the green solvent 2-methyltetrahydrofuran and the monomer building block 1,5-pentanediol from the renewable raw material furfural while retaining all carbon atoms.

With 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, a bio-based, large-volume solvent would be obtained that can be used in pharmaceutical syntheses and 1,5-pentanediol represents a potential building block for acrylates (coating applications), polycarbonates, polyurethanes and polyesters. Significant market volumes are expected for the products, so that the CO2 balance will be sustainably improved compared to conventional processes. There is no competition with food production due to the use of furfural as a substrate. The existing good availability is a basic prerequisite for an economical process.

After electrosynthetic screening and optimization using modern methods, upscaling is to take place. In contrast to conventional methods, electrosynthesis takes place under mild conditions, which should prevent the polymerization of furfural.

To achieve these goals, the electrochemical and engineering expertise of Johannes Gutenberg-University and BASF are bundled and thus represent an interdisciplinary cooperation.

Coordinator:
Siegfried R. Waldvogel (MPI CEC) siegfried.waldvogel@cec.mpg.de

Nicola Aust (BASF) nicola.aust@basf.com