A new route to high yield sugars from biomass: phosphoric-sulfuric acid.

We have developed a simple and effective route for the high yield extraction of sugars from cellulosic based biomass. This process uses a combination of a cellulose decrystallization step with a mixture of phosphoric and sulfuric acid, followed by a hydrolysis step producing sugars (xylose and glucose) with yields of approximately 90%.

Preparation and synthetic applications of aryl tetraflates (ArOSO2CF2CF2H).

We have recently developed an improved synthetic route to 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethanesulfonic acid (HCF2CF2SO3H, TFESA) and explored the applications of this newly available superacid in catalysis. Low volatility, ease of handling, and a convenient 1H NMR handle make this acid an attractive alternative to triflic acid. TFESA can also be converted to several of its derivatives: anhydride, sulfonyl chloride, and sulfonyl fluoride, which provide a good entry point for the synthesis of aryl sulfonates.

Novel mesoporous silica-perfluorosulfonic acid hybrids as strong heterogeneous Brønsted catalysts.

Perfluorinated sulfonic acids have been immobilised into mesoporous silica frameworks by a one-step process, representing the first example of the successful incorporation of charged silanes using this route, and have been shown to be excellent catalysts for Brønsted acid catalysed transformations.

Super acid catalysis in supercritical fluid reaction media for the formation of linear alkyl benzenes.

High catalytic activity is demonstrated for the formation of linear alkylbenzenes using a perfluorosulfonic acid catalyst in supercritical fluid reaction media: enhanced alkylation activity is observed in fluoroform (CHF3) compared to carbon dioxide.