New Bulk Chemicals from Carbohydrates

Figure 10 shows the selected new bulk chemicals and derivatives which can be produced from biomass. A total of 13 intermediates are identified as potential bulk chemicals from which a wide spectrum of products can be obtained. They are specified according to the num­ber of C atoms:

• C2: ethanol

• C3: acetone, lactic acid, 3-Hydroxypropionic acid (HPA)

• C4: succinic acid

• C5: furfural, itaconic acid, xylytol, and LA.

• C6: sorbitol, HMF, 2,5-Furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA), and gluconic acid.