One-step degradation of cellulose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in ionic liquid under mild conditions

• Published in: Carbohydrate polymers 2015-03, Vol.117, p.694-700
• Main Authors: Zhou, Lilong, He, Yiming, Ma, Zhanwei, Liang, Runjuan, Wu, Tinghua, Wu, Ying
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural; Cellulose; CrCl3; Ionic liquid
• ISSN: 0144-8617; 1879-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.10.062

•Different metal chlorides (CrCl3, CuCl2, SnCl4, WCl6) were used to convert cellulose to HMF.•Cellulose was directly converted to HMF in 63% yield by CrCl3 in [BMIM]Cl at 120°C.•This catalysis system can be reused for many times.•The mechanism of this reaction was studied. One-step conversion of cellulose to HMF (5-hydroxymethylfurfural) has been achieved by using metal chlorides (CrCl3, CuCl2, SnCl4, WCl6) in [BMIM]Cl. The effects of temperature, reaction time, amount of catalysts, and the purity of [BMIM]Cl on the performance have been studied and discussed in detail. More than 63% yield of HMF and 80% yield of TRS (total reducing sugar) were obtained in [BMIM]Cl with CrCl3 at 120°C under atmospheric pressure. Filter paper and cotton were also used as a source for cellulose degradation to HMF, but only a moderate yield of HMF was obtained (40% for filter paper and 12% for cotton). The reutilization of this system was examined and the reaction mechanism was also discussed.