Synthesis of straight-chain C_(49)H_(100) alkane using a modular splicing strategy

Ultra-long n-alkanes are highly valuable in both scientific research and as major constituents of specialty high-melting-point waxes.Unlike conventional methods(e.g.,Fischer–Tropsch(FT),ethylene oligomerization,and polyethylene cracking)typically resulting in wide n-alkane distributions,the elaborate design strategy presented herein allows the direct synthesis of pure,long n-alkanes using a modular splicing method with acetone,furfural,and fatty acid anhydrides or acyl chlorides as bio-blocks.The herein approach is based on a simple four-step catalytic reaction scheme involving C–C chain elongation and C–O bond activation.The synthesized pure n-alkanes had a carbon chain length as high as C_(49)(total yield of 49%).The synthesis approach also allows to selectively prepare n-alkanes with even and odd carbon numbers ranging from C15 to C_(49).This process represents a great breakthrough in the synthesis of long-chain pure n-alkanes,surpassing the carbon number limitations reported in previous methodologies.