Synthesis and aromatization of biobased cyclohexenes

"In recent years, the cost of petrochemicals has declined by increasing production of unconventional gases such as shale gas, tight gas and coalbed methane. The main component of the unconventional gases is methane. Aromatic compounds are ubiquitous in commodity, specialty and pharmaceutical chemicals. Many aromatic chemicals are derived from benzene, toluene and xylenes (BTX), which could be derived from methane. Biobased aromatic chemicals production may appear unnecessary since we can produce BTX from methane. However, other factors need to be considered such as climate change, avoidance of toxic starting materials and/or byproducts, and significant consumer preference for biobased products. Because aromatics are generally toxic to microbes, biobased aromatic compounds are often synthesized from nontoxic biobased intermediates. An ideal strategy is a synthesis of biobased hydroaromatics that can be either dehydrated or dehydrogenated to aromatics in a single step. We can perform elimination reactions on biobased cyclohexenes possessing appropriately placed leaving groups. In the absence of leaving groups, dehydrogenation reactions need to be employed. This thesis focuses on biobased cyclohexenes that are aromatized either by dehydration reactions or by dehydrogenation reactions."--Page ii.