Mesoporous poly(vinylsulfonic-co-divinylbenzene) (VS-DVB) and magnetic polymer (VS-DVB/CoFe 2 O 4 ) are prepared and used as solid acidic catalysts to directly transform cellulose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF). The characteristic and morphology of the polymers were examined by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer, field-emission scanning microscope, and transmission electron microscopy. The yield of 5-HMF can reach as high as 98% from the dehydration of glucose using CrCl 3 ·6H 2 O catalyst in tetrabutylammonium chloride at 120°C for 90 min. Cellulose conversion using the prepared VS-DVB in 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium chloride at 120°C for 180 min showed high yields of 50% glucose and 10% 5-HMF. An enhancement in 5-HMF yield was observed as reaction time increased. A combination of VS-DVB/CoFe 2 O 4 and CrCl 3 ·6H 2 O in ionic liquids was employed at optimal conditions for cellulose conversion. Magnetic catalysts were readily separated from resulting products in the magnetic field, as well as recycled and reused with negligible loss in activity. Glucose and 5-HMF yields were determined through high-performance liquid chromatography analysis.
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