This research is directed toward the development of a process whereby organic octane enhanceers, currently synthesized from imported petrochemicals, may be obtained from a domestic renewable resource such as woody biomass. Pyrolysis of lignocellulosic materials at temperatures above 300oC invariably leads to levoglucosan and a bewildering variety of alcohols, ketones, acids, and aldehydes. It has been demonstrated that lignocellulosic materials may be selectively pyrolyzed at temperatures below 250oC to simple aliphatic ketones and pyrones through the agency of an inorganic additive. These organic compounds have have Research Octane Numbers in excess of 100, which makes them suitable for boosting the octane number of unleaded gasoline.
