CONVERSION OF XYLOSE TO FURFURAL BY MEANS OF HYDROBROMIC ACID

Abstract

Simple distillation with hydrobromic acid converted xylose to furfural in approximately 93% yield. Addition of sodium bromide to hydrobromic acid increased the rate of formation of furfural but did not increase the final yield. Twenty-three per cent hydrobromic acid was slightly more destructive towards furfural than 12% hydrochloric acid. Approximately 23% hydrobromic acid was found to be the best concentration for pentose determination; higher concentrations gave lower yields of furfural while lower concentrations gave slightly higher yields but required greatly extended periods of distillation. For determination of pentoses and pentosans, hydrobromic acid has no advantage over hydrochloric acid now in general use.