A process for large scale and energy efficient production of oxygenates from sugar is disclosed in which a sugar feedstock is introduced into a thermolytic fragmentation reactor including a fluidized stream of heat carrying particles. The heat carrying particles may be separated from the fluidized stream prior to cooling the fragmentation product and may be directed to a reheater to reheat the particles and recirculate the heated particles to the fragmentation reactor.

A process for processing lignin includes contacting a mixture comprising lignin and/or lignin-like molecules with a catalyst to form a reaction mixture, and producing one or more reaction products. The reaction mixture comprises one or more aliphatic alcohols, and the one or more reaction products are selected from the group consisting of: 2-methoxy-4-propylphenol (DHE), 2,6-dimethoxy-4-propylphenol (DMPP), 4-(3-hydroxypropyl)-2,6-dimethoxyphenol (DMPP-OH), 4-(3-hydroxypropyl)-2-methoxyphenol (DHE-OH), 2,6-dimethoxy-4-(prop-1-en-1-yl)phenol (i-DMPP), 2-methoxy-4-(prop-1-en-1-yl)phenol (isoeugenol), and mixtures thereof.

A process for the preparation of ethylene glycol and other C.sub.1-C.sub.3 hydroxy compounds comprising the steps of hydrogenating a composition comprising C.sub.1-C.sub.3 oxygenate compounds. In particular the process is suitable for hydrogenating a composition comprising different C.sub.1-C.sub.3 oxygenate compounds, such as the product from a thermolytic fragmentation of a sugar composition.

A process for the preparation of ethylene glycol and other C.sub.1-C.sub.3 hydroxy compounds comprising the steps of hydrogenating a composition comprising C.sub.1-C.sub.3 oxygenate compounds. In particular the process is suitable for hydrogenating a composition comprising different C.sub.1-C.sub.3 oxygenate compounds, such as the product from a thermolytic fragmentation of a sugar composition.

The present invention provides processes for catalytically converting biomass to oxygenated compounds suitable for use in bioreforming processes.

The present invention provides processes for catalytically converting biomass to oxygenated compounds suitable for use in bioreforming processes.

Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy or sugary materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials and/or starchy or sugary materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.

A process for large scale and energy efficient product of oxygenates from sugar is disclosed in which a sugar feedstock is introduced into a thermolytic fragmentation reactor comprising a fluidized stream of heat carrying particles. The heat carrying particles may be separated from the fluidized stream prior to cooling the fragmentation product and may be directed to a reheater to reheat the particles and recirculate the heated particles to the fragmentation reactor.

A process for large scale and energy efficient product of oxygenates from sugar is disclosed in which a sugar feedstock is introduced into a thermolytic fragmentation reactor comprising a fluidized stream of heat carrying particles. The heat carrying particles may be separated from the fluidized stream prior to cooling the fragmentation product and may be directed to a reheater to reheat the particles and recirculate the heated particles to the fragmentation reactor.