Aldol Condensation of 2,5-hexanedione as a Tunable Platform Molecule for Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Products

Using 2,5-hexanedione as a biofuel platform molecule, we have elucidated a reaction scheme towards generation of both gasoline, via intra-molecular aldol condensation, and diesel, via crossed-aldol condensation with furfural.  The effect of the heterogeneous/homogeneous base and the role of reaction conditions on the tunability of these selective reactions are discussed.