Title:Preparation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural from Glucose and Fructose in Ionic Liquids by Reactive Vacuum Distillation Over a Solid Catalyst
VOLUME: 14 ISSUE: 4
Author(s):Mohammad B. Nasirudeen, Helen C. Hailes and Julian R.G. Evans*
Affiliation:Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street LondonWC1H 0AJ
Keywords:5-hydroxymethyl-furfural (5-HMF), catalysis, ionic liquids, cassava.
Abstract:Background: The production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) from biomass provides an alternative
pathway for many commercial chemicals and polymers particularly for countries with high insolation such as
sub-Saharan Africa.
Objective: The goal is continuous or semi-continuous dehydration of glucose and fructose to 5-HMF over a reusable
castalyst in a process which is commmercial viable.
Method: We deploy a separable and resuable catalyst, a low volatility solvent and reactive vacuum distillation.
Results: Using a sulfated zirconia (SZ) catalyst in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [BMIM]Cl ionic liquid
as solvent, we are able to separate the product by reactive vacuum distillation and obtain yields for 5-HMF of
82% and 65% at a 5 g experimental scale using fructose and glucose as substrates in a 2 h reaction time at 180 oC.
The ionic liquid and SZ exhibited high activity when recycled for five successive trials.
Conclusion: The low volatility solvent and solid catalyst allow for reactive vacuum distillation taking the sequence
of steps from biomass such as Cassava to 5-HMF closer to commercial viability.
