One Step Conversion of Glucose into 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) via a Basic Catalyst in Mixed Solvent Systems of Ionic Liquid-Dimethyl Sulfoxide

Abstract

A simple solid base catalyst, ammonium aluminum carbonate hydroxide (AACH), was prepared and its structure was characterized by many technologies, including XRD, FT-IR, SEM, BET and Elemental Analysis. The prepared catalyst was used to catalyze the conversion of glucose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]⁺Cl^–) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) mixtures. Various reaction conditions, including catalyst loading, reaction temperature, reaction duration and solvent, were investigated. A moderated HMF yield of 52.17 % was obtained at the mild reaction conditions (120°C for 4 h). More importantly, the catalyst could be reused for several times without the loss of its significant catalytic activities. After five reaction runs, a HMF yield about 49.34 % was also obtained.