Yadav, A.K.Yadav, S.K.Kumar, G.N.Madav, V.Dutta, S.2026-02-032025RSC Advances, 2025, 15, 34, pp. 27933-27940https://doi.org/10.1039/d5ra04020ehttps://idr.nitk.ac.in/handle/123456789/20142Furanic fuel oxygenates, renewably produced from biomass, have received significant interest in lessening dependence on petroleum-derived liquid fuels and reducing emissions. 5-(Tolylmethyl)furfural (TMF) was prepared by the Friedel-Crafts reaction between cellulose-derived 5-(acetoxymethyl)furfural (AcMF) and petroleum-derived toluene. The process was optimized on various parameters, such as reaction temperature, molar ratio of reagents, catalyst loading, and duration. Anhydrous ZnCl<inf>2</inf> was the best catalyst for the reaction, affording a 67% isolated yield of TMF under optimized conditions (120 °C, 4 h). TMF was prepared on a 30 g scale and blended (1-5 vol%) with diesel. The physicochemical properties of the TMF-diesel blended fuel mixtures were studied, and then they were employed as fuel for a direct injection single-cylinder diesel engine. The results show good fuel properties and reduced emissions compared to unblended diesel fuel. © 2025 The Royal Society of Chemistry.AdditivesCatalystsChlorine compoundsDiesel enginesDiesel fuelsFriedel-Crafts reactionFuelingMolar ratioPhysicochemical propertiesCatalyst loadingsFriedel-Craft reactionsFuel emissionsFuel oxygenatesPreparation processProcess scale-upReaction temperatureReducing emissionsZnCl 2Direct injectionFurfuralChlorine CompoundsCrude OilDiesel EnginesProcesses