Direct Conversion of Mono- and Polysaccharides into 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Using Ionic-Liquid Mixtures

ChemSusChem. 2016 Aug 23;9(16):2089-96. doi: 10.1002/cssc.201600313. Epub 2016 Jun 27.

Abstract

Platform chemicals are usually derived from petrochemical feedstocks. A sustainable alternative commences with lignocellulosic biomass, a renewable feedstock, but one that is highly challenging to process. Ionic liquids (ILs) are able to solubilize biomass and, in the presence of catalysts, convert the biomass into useful platform chemicals. Herein, we demonstrate that mixtures of ILs are powerful systems for the selective catalytic transformation of cellulose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Combining ILs with continuous HMF extraction into methyl-isobutyl ketone or 1,2-dimethoxyethane, which form a biphase with the IL mixture, allows the online separation of HMF in high yield. This one-step process is operated under relatively mild conditions and represents a significant step forward towards sustainable HMF production.

Keywords: 5-hydroxymethylfurfural; catalysis; cellulose; green chemistry; ionic liquids.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cellulose / chemistry*
  • Ethyl Ethers / chemistry
  • Furaldehyde / analogs & derivatives*
  • Furaldehyde / chemistry
  • Glucose / chemistry*
  • Ionic Liquids / chemistry*
  • Methyl n-Butyl Ketone / chemistry

Substances

  • Ethyl Ethers
  • Ionic Liquids
  • Methyl n-Butyl Ketone
  • 5-hydroxymethylfurfural
  • Cellulose
  • Furaldehyde
  • 1,2-dimethoxyethane
  • Glucose
  • methyl isobutyl ketone