Targeted Synthesis of Hydrocarbon Fuels and Fuel Oxygenates by Catalytic Conversion of Biomass Components

Biomass has been projected as a commercially tenable, renewable alternative to fossilized sources such as petroleum for producing liquid transportation fuels. This chapter provides an overview of the catalytic synthesis of drop-in hydrocarbon fuels and oxygenated fuel additives starting from various biomass components. The catalytic conversion of biomass affords high selectivity and precise molecular control over the fuel candidates under reagent-economic and energy-efficient conditions. Emphasis has been given to the synthetic strategies and process details for the designed synthesis of aviation, gasoline, and diesel-range fuels. Details of the feedstock, reaction conditions, and catalysts employed have also been incorporated. The major biomass components have been discussed separately, and their catalytic conversion into specific fuels has been elaborated. This chapter will enable the readers to acquire inclusive knowledge about this field of research, appreciate the accomplishments, identify the bottlenecks, and propose the way forward.