Modified sulfuric acid and uses thereof
An aqueous composition comprising: sulfuric acid; a heterocyclic compound; and a peroxide. Said composition being capable of delignifying biomass under milder conditions than conditions under which kraft pulping takes place.
1. An aqueous acidic composition consisting of:
sulfuric acid;
a heterocyclic compound;
a peroxide; and
water,
wherein
the composition has a sulfuric acid to heterocyclic compound molar ratio ranging from 5:1 to 30:1, and
the composition has a sulfuric acid to peroxide molar ratio of 1:1.
2. The composition according to claim 1 , wherein the sulfuric acid to heterocyclic compound molar ratio ranges from 10:1 to 20:1.
3. The composition according to claim 1 , wherein the sulfuric acid to heterocyclic compound molar ratio ranges from 5:1 to 20:1.
4. The composition according to claim 1 , wherein the sulfuric acid to heterocyclic compound molar ratio is approximately 10:1.
5. The composition according to claim 1 , wherein the heterocyclic compound has a molecular weight below 300 g/mol.
6. The composition according to claim 1 , wherein the heterocyclic compound is a secondary amine.
7. The composition according to claim 1 , wherein the heterocyclic compound is selected from the group consisting of imidazole, N-alkylimidazole, N-methylimidazole, triazole, pyrrole, pyrazine, benzotriazole, quinoline and combinations thereof.
8. The composition according to claim 1 , wherein the heterocyclic compound is selected from the group consisting of imidazole and N-methylimidazole.
9. The composition according to claim 1 , wherein the heterocyclic compound is imidazole.
10. The composition according to claim 1 , wherein the peroxide is hydrogen peroxide.