LAUSR

Abstract Green chemistry and sustainability are important concepts to incorporate into the undergraduate chemistry curriculum. Through the development of innovative undergraduate chemistry research projects in these areas, retention of students in the physical sciences can be improved. This paper describes two projects in undergraduate catalysis research: hydrogenation of furfural and the esterification of biooil from pyrolyzed wood. Catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of furfural with Pd/C led to the production of furfuryl alcohol, furfuryl isopropyl ether, 2-methylfuran, and tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol. The metal chloride additives improved selectivity for furfuryl alcohol and furfuryl isopropyl ether. Catalytic conversion of pyrolyzed wood biooil in ethanol with a solid acid catalyst yielded ethyl esters, including ethyl acetate and ethyl propionate, as characterized by GC/MS These projects are described in the context of engaging undergraduate students in hands-on research for the purpose of improving retention and persistence, as well as preparing young scientists to enter graduate programs and the STEM workforce.