One-vessel synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in concentrated zinc chloride solution from lignocellulosic materials

Abstract

The synthesis of bio-based chemicals, such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and its derivatives, from cellulosic biomass resources has been attempted for years. However, the harsh reaction condition, toxicity of the catalysts applied, and low efficiency of the conversion process have deterred its industrial implementation. Herein, the authors investigated the degradation and conversion of cellulose into HMF in a concentrated zinc chloride solution. The effects of reaction conditions and co-catalysts on the conversion were evaluated. A 69.5% HMF yield from cellulose was obtained in the condition of 1 h and 150 °C using 0.2 mol·L-1 of HCl without co-catalyst during the conversion. Moreover, the ZnCl2 aqueous solution displayed good reusability. Finally, a simplified kinetic model of the conversion of cellulose to HMF in a concentrated zinc chloride solution was developed, and the reaction kinetics were investigated.