Liquefaction of wood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) in allyl alkyl imidazolium ionic liquids

The results of wood liquefaction by allyl alkyl imidazolium ionic liquids indicated that wood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) without any pretreatment is liquefied in ionic liquids at temperatures below 100A degrees C within 40 min. Acidic ionic liquids show low residue even at 70A degrees C and 30 min. The liquid/wood ratio of the reactants affects the reaction course. After the reaction is over, ionic liquids can be separated from the products and recycled at least five times maintaining good liquefaction activity. The suitability of the ionic liquids for wood liquefaction is ascribed to the functional groups of the ionic liquids. Influencing factors of wood liquefaction are discussed in relation to the ionic composition of the ionic liquids.