Platform Molecules

Thomas James Farmer, Mark Mascal

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

In this chapter, the status of the current fossil-based chemical industry is briefly described with regards to the use of building-block chemicals, and an analogy to a bio-based equivalent. Current rationale around the concept of platform molecules is discussed, leading to a working definition for these bioderived chemicals. The constituent parts of the biomass feedstock are reviewed, showing the importance of the composition of the biomass with regards to the molecules obtainable from it. The processing technologies used to produce platform molecules from biomass are described. The concept of bio-based platform molecules stems from the late twentieth century where it was envisaged that simple, small molecules derivable from biomass could be utilised as building blocks for higher-value chemicals and materials.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIntroduction to Chemicals from Biomass
EditorsJames H. Clark, Fabien Deswarte
PublisherWiley-Blackwell
Pages89-155
Number of pages66
Edition2
ISBN (Electronic)9781118714478
ISBN (Print)9781118714485
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 26 Dec 2014

Publication series

NameSustainable Chemistry and Green Chemistry
PublisherJohn Wiley & Sons

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