Identification of <i>cis</i>‐4,5‐epoxy‐2‐pentenal from pyrolysis of H₃PO₄‐treated cellulose

Abstract

Abstract An important product, C 5 H 6 O 2 , from the pyrolytic decomposition of phosphoric acid, treated cellulose was isolated and identified as cis ‐4,5‐epoxy‐2‐pentenal. NMR, IR UV, and mass‐spectral data of this product were analyzed and discussed. A method for the preparation of cis ‐4,5‐epoxy‐2‐pentenal is presented, and a mechanism for its formation is proposed.