Development of Betaine‐Based Sustainable Catalysts for Green Conversion of Carbohydrates and Biomass into 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural

Abstract

Renewable and sustainable betaine‐based catalysts (BX) derived from the betaine sugar industry or ChCl were developed for the production of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from various carbohydrates. The HMF yields in the BX‐based media reached up to 88 %, 66 %, 37 % and 53 %, for the conversion of fructose, glucose, cellulose, and lignocellulosic biomass, respectively. In addition, choline‐O‐sulfate was synthesized and demonstrated to be an efficient catalyst for the conversion of fructose to HMF. From the perspective of green and sustainable chemistry, this work demonstrates benefits not only in the preparation of sustainable catalysts but also the green production of HMF from biomass.

An efficient approach to produce 2,5‐diformylfuran from 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural using air as oxidant

“…The ongoing exhaustion of non-renewable fossil resources and corresponding environmental concerns caused by their continuously growing consumption have urged developing new technologies to utilize renewable and green resources. [1][2][3] Biomass, as the largest renewable carbon pool on earth, is anticipated to play a crucial role for a sustainable supply of energy and chemicals. 4 Thus tremendous efforts have been set forth to develop novel technologies for the conversion of biomass to valuable chemicals.…”

Synthesis of MCM‐41‐Supported Metal Catalysts in Deep Eutectic Solvent for the Conversion of Carbohydrates into 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural

“…[1] One particular bio-based platform chemical, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural( HMF),h as emerged as av ersatile chemicalf or the productiono fb iofuelsa nd fine chemicals. [14] In light of these prior studies, we set out to investigate CAS as ar eaction mediumf or the production of HMF from other carbohydrates. Without cost-effective HMF production routes, its full potential cannot be realized.…”

“…Previous studies have focused on homogeneous catalysts including mineral acids and metal-salts, but there are numerousi ssues associated with this strategy,s uch as equipment corrosion, environmental unfriendliness, and recycling difficulties. [14] In light of these prior studies, we set out to investigate CAS as ar eaction mediumf or the production of HMF from other carbohydrates. [7] However, the heterogeneously catalyzedc onversion of carbohydrates requires improvement;c urrent shortfalls include (1) low yields of HMF,( 2) low concentrations of the substrate, (3) excessive catalystr equirements, and (4) reduced activityo f the recycled catalyst.…”

“…[8] Moreover,t he reaction media for the conversion of biomass into HMFh as to be carefully considered when targeting large-scale applications. [14] In light of these prior studies, we set out to investigate CAS as ar eaction mediumf or the production of HMF from other carbohydrates. However,t he largescale potentialo ft hese strategies is hindered by side reactions (water), low conversion (polar organic solvents), toxicity/cost (ionic liquids), or low HMF yields (DESs).…”

“…We also found that renewable betaine-based catalysts in ag reen choline chloride (ChCl) aqueous solution (CAS)r eactionp hase led to enhanced yields of HMF from fructose. [14] In light of these prior studies, we set out to investigate CAS as ar eaction mediumf or the production of HMF from other carbohydrates. ChCl is low-cost, biodegradable, and renewable and is hence well suited to large-scale use.…”