The Promotion Effect of NaCl on the Conversion of Xylose to Furfural†

Abstract

Summary of main observation and conclusionIn this work, the promotion effect of NaCl on the conversion of xylose to furfural in H2O was studied. It was found that xylose conversion and furfural yield increased with NaCl concentration. NaCl decreased the pH of the solution providing H+ for the acid catalytic dehydration of xylose. The formation of oligomers was determined by GPC and ESI‐MS in the initial stage of reaction, especially at low temperature. Excess NaCl promoted the formation of humins in the late stage of the reaction. NaCl could also change the decomposition route of formic acid. Meanwhile, NaCl had the ability of phase separation. Combining these effects with organic solvent during the reaction could inhibit the formation of humins and increase the yield of furfural. In NaCl‐H2O‐THF biphasic system without other catalyst, the optimal furfural yield of 76.7% and selectivity of 77.6% were achieved at 463 K in 2 h.