Abstract
A highly selective route to produce levulinic acid (LA) from raw crab shells in one step has been provided by the catalysis of the ionic liquid (IL) 1-methyl-3-(3-sulfopropyl)imidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([C₃SO₃Hmim]HSO₄), resulting in the LA yield up to 77.9%. The relationship between the structure of ILs and the yield of LA was investigated, demonstrating both the acidity and hydrogen-bonding ability of ILs dictate their catalytic activity. Furthermore, by means of IR, scanning electron microscopy, elemental analysis, solid-state ¹³C NMR, X-ray diffraction, and determination of the degree of acetylation, the self-healing of chitin fraction driven by hydrogen-bond interactions was discovered upon the removal of CaCO₃ and protein for the first time. In the presence of a strong and interlocked hydrogen-bond network, direct depolymerization and consecutive deacetylation/depolymerization take place alternatively on the outer surface, whereas the interior crystalline structure of chitin remains intact.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
