Production of Levoglucosan by Pyrolysis of Carbohydrates

A process involving the pyrolysis of naturally occurring carbohydrates such as starch and cellulose has industrial potential for the production of levoglucosan and levoglucosan‐like material. The reaction is complex. For high conversions and good product yields, high temperature, low pressure, and a low‐pressure gas flow are necessary. A screw conveyor type of reactor has been used for continuous pyrolysis of starch. Dielectric heating is being studied as a means of overcoming poor heat transfer to the starch mass.