The furan-based chemicals such as furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), chloromethylfurfural (CMF), and bromomethylfurfural (BMF) from biomass are important building blocks in the production of fuels, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and fine chemicals to replace petrochemical products. In this study, we report a biphasic process for conversion of carbohydrates in the biomass to the furan derivatives. The biphasic system consists of an aqueous phase of molten salt hydrate, in which biomass cellulose and hemicellulose are converted to the furan-based chemicals, and an organic phase of extraction solvent, into which the formed furan products are immediately extracted to avoid the formation of undesirable byproducts such as humins from the condensation of the furan products. Meanwhile, lignin in the biomass is extensively depolymerized during the reaction and separated as a residue for co-product development. Different carbohydrates and biomass were evaluated as starting feedstock. The process parameters including organic solvent loading, halide salt concentration, types of acids, temperature, and reaction time were optimized for efficient furans production. The reaction mechanism and process mass balance were also investigated. In addition, the resultant lignin was preliminarily characterized and evaluated.

Biphasic process using molten salt hydrates for chemical transformation of lignocellulosic biomass into furan-based chemicals

249th National Meeting (2015)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.