Disclosed herein is the production of saturated alkyl esters or acids from furan materials. The starting compounds contain furan, ketone, and ester or acid functional groups and may be biologically-derived. The method includes hydrogenating the starting compound to form a reduced mixture. The method further includes hydrodeoxygenation of the reduced mixture to yield a saturated alkyl ester or acid. The saturated alkyl ester or acid can be unbranched or branched. The ester and acid products have a wide variety of applications and may be further processed into surfactants, solvents, and lubricants suitable for use in consumer products.
Disclosed herein is the production of saturated alkyl esters or acids from furan materials. The starting compounds contain furan, ketone, and ester or acid functional groups and may be biologically-derived. The method includes hydrogenating the starting compound to form a reduced mixture. The method further includes hydrodeoxygenation of the reduced mixture to yield a saturated alkyl ester or acid. The saturated alkyl ester or acid can be unbranched or branched. The ester and acid products have a wide variety of applications and may be further processed into surfactants, solvents, and lubricants suitable for use in consumer products.