Catalytic effects of borax and iron(III) chloride on supercritical liquefaction of Anchusa azurea with methanol and isopropanol

Milled Anchusa azurea stalks were converted to liquid products in methanol and isopropanol with (borax or iron(III) chloride) and without catalyst in an autoclave at temperatures of 260, 280, and 300°C. The liquefaction parameter effects such as catalyst, solvents, and temperature were investigated.

The highest percentages of liquid yields from methanol and isopropanol conversions were 64.70% (with borax) and 29.20% (with borax) at 300°C in the catalytic runs, respectively. The highest conversion (73.80%) was obtained in methanol with borax catalyst at the same temperature. The obtained liquid products at 300°C were analyzed and characterized by elemental, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS).