The thesis describes various methods for the conversion of biomass to different fuels (biodiesel, oils, gas). The emphasis is on a method of hydrolysis that enables the production of various potential platform molecules such as levulinic acid (LA) and gamma-valerolactone (GVL). Levulinic acid can then be converted to phenolic acid, methyl tetrahydrofuran (MTHF), GVL, and other molecules that can be used as polymers, herbicides, pharmaceutical components, biofuels, and solvents. GVL can be blended in traditional fuels and also reduces CO2 emissions in comparison with fossil fuels. It is widely used as a green solvent for biomass conversion. Because of its distinctive herbal odor and non-toxicity, it is also widely used in food additives and perfumes.
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