(639f) Selective Conversion of Ashe Juniper Waste into Levoglucosenone and Acetol

Ashe juniper is a problematic plant in central Texas due to rapid expansion causing the alteration of rangeland plant communities and hydrological landscapes. Current Ashe juniper waste management is less economical. Thermochemical conversion of Ashe juniper waste into high-value chemical is one way to valorize the waste. This study presents the effects of metal cations and lignin contents on the yield and selectivity of levoglucosenone (LGO) and acetol (AC) by pyrolysis of Ashe juniper waste. Kinetic model was developed to evaluate faster reaction pathway on each condition. It was confirmed that the yield of LGO and AC was highly dependednt on the type and concentration of metal cation and lignin contents. Temperature was the other crucial factor to control the pathway to desirable products relative to undesirable products. Finally, solvent extraction method was tested to maximize the yield of LGO and AC.