Xylans are a valuable alternative resource: production of D-xylose, D-lyxose and furfural under microwave irradiation.

The influence of microwave irradiation on hydrolysis of xylan and simultaneous epimerization of the D-xylose to D-lyxose has been studied. An acidic solution of xylan was treated with catalytic amount of sodium molybdate and the composition of the reaction mixture was analyzed. Short reaction times of hydrolysis and subsequent epimerization reaction provided an equilibrium reaction mixture of D-xylose and D-lyxose (1.6:1) without significant formation of undesirable side products. Obtained pentoses can be reduced to the corresponding alditols (D-xylitol and D-lyxitol) in very good yields (88% and 85%) or can be further dehydrated to furfural (53%). Combined use of Mo(VI) catalyst and microwave irradiation allows better conversions and substantial reduction of reaction times (400-fold) compared to that obtained by conventional heating. Studied stereospecific transformation of xylan proceeds with high selectivity, short reaction times and very good yields that makes this approach attractive also for preparative purposes.