Investigation of O( ³ P) Initiated Oxidation Products of 2,3-Dimethylfuran Using Synchrotron Photoionization

Biofuels are an appealing alternative to augment conventional fossil fuels, given that traditional fossil fuels are finite in nature despite being the highest-consumed energy source. Furans have been studied as potential biofuels due to their renewability, high energy density, and ability to both blend with existing fossil fuels and serve as a stand-alone fuel. Although promising, more research efforts on the combustion of furan-based biofuels are needed. In this study, the oxidation of 2,3-dimethylfuran (2,3-DMF) initiated by O(³P) was investigated using vacuum-ultraviolet synchrotron radiation from the Advanced Light Source at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The reaction was studied at 550 K and 7 Torr. Major reaction products include 3-methyl-3-buten-2-one, 4,5-dimethyl-3(2<i>H</i>)-furanone, and 3-methyl-4-oxo-2(<i>Z</i>)-pentenal, with 3-methyl-3-buten-2-one being the most abundant.