Question:

Furfural is an economic product that can be produced from which of the following by-product?

Show Hint

Pentosans (pentose polymers) are found in plant cell walls (hemicellulose).
Therefore, only plant-based residues (like sugarcane bagasse or corn cobs) can be precursors for furfural.
  • Cattle waste
  • Bagasse
  • Cow dung
  • Sewage
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
By-product utilization adds economic value to agricultural waste.
Furfural is an important industrial chemical intermediate.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Furfural is produced via the acid hydrolysis of pentosans (five-carbon sugars like xylose), which are abundant in the hemicellulosic fraction of agricultural residues.
Major agricultural residues used for commercial production include corn cobs, oat hulls, cottonseed hulls, and

bagasse (the fibrous waste of sugarcane extraction).
Animal waste products like cattle waste, cow dung, and municipal sewage contain low pentosan concentrations and are unsuitable for commercial furfural production.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Furfural is produced economically from bagasse.
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