Biomass-derived furans and derivatives such as furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), chloromethylfurfural (CMF), and bromomethylfurfural (BMF) are important platform chemicals. They can be either directly used as solvents and chemicals or further converted to fuels and polymers. Currently, they are primarily produced from carbohydrates through high-acid and high-temperature processes. However, these processes have the challenges and issues such as relatively low product yield, formation of humin, and separation of products. In this study, we report a one-step conversion of cellulose to BMF with high yield in a biphasic system, in which cellulose is converted into BMF in the phase of molten salt hydrate, and the formed BMF is immediately extracted to the phase of organic solvent. Different carbohydrates including glucose, fructose, cellobiose, cellulose, and real biomass were evaluated as starting feedstock. Reaction mechanism, mass balance, and optimization of reaction conditions for efficient BMF production were studied.

Conversion of cellulose to 5-bromomethylfurfural (BMF) in a biphasic system

247th National Meeting (2014)

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