Production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) in an ionic liquid, 1-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate

Production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) from Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) using an ionic liquid, 1-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([MIM]HSO4), was investigated. 5-HMF can be produced from C. japonica at temperatures above 120 degrees C. The maximum yield of 5-HMF was about 9 wt% after 15 min of treatment at 160 degrees C. However, 5-HMF produced in this process tended to decompose as the treatment continued. To avoid decomposition and to provide a means of recovering 5-HMF from [MIM]HSO4, three reaction systems based on [MIM]HSO4 were investigated: biphasic [MIM]HSO4/organic solvent system, [MIM]HSO4 with vacuum distillation, and [MIM]HSO4 with vacuum steam distillation. The [MIM]HSO4 reaction system combined with vacuum steam distillation was most effective. The maximum yield of 5-HMF was 17.5 wt% after treatment for 45 min at 160 degrees C. The combination of [MIM]HSO4 treatment with vacuum steam distillation is suitable for 5-HMF production because it is a one-pot process without the need for catalysts or pretreatment.

Automated summary

The production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) from Japanese cedar using an ionic liquid, 1-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate ([MIM]HSO4), was studied. Among the three reaction systems investigated, the one combining [MIM]HSO4 treatment with vacuum steam distillation proved to be the most effective, achieving a maximum yield of 17.5 wt% after 45 minutes at 160 degrees C. This method is suitable for 5-HMF production as it is a one-pot process without the need for catalysts or pretreatment.