Method to convert biomass to 5-(hydroxymethyl)-furfural (HMF) and furfural using lactones, furans, and pyrans as solvents

摘要

Described is a process to produce hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) from biomass-derived sugars. The process includes the steps of reacting a C5 and/or C6 sugar-containing reactant derived from biomass in a monophasic or biphasic reaction solution comprising water and a co-solvent. The co-solvent can be beta-, gamma-, and/or delta-lactones derived from biomass, tetrahydrofuran (THF) derived from biomass, and/or methyltetrahydrofuran (MTHF) derived from biomass. The reaction takes place in the presence of an acid catalyst and a dehydration catalyst for a time and under conditions such that at least a portion of glucose or fructose present in the reactant is converted to HMF.

主权项

1. A process to produce 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), the process comprising:
reacting a C6 sugar-containing reactant in a monophasic reaction solution comprising (i) an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of beta-, gamma-, and delta-lactones, hydrofurans, hydropyrans, and combinations thereof, and (ii) at least about 1 wt % water; in the presence of a heterogenous acid catalyst for a time and under conditions wherein at least a portion of the C6 sugar present in the reactant is converted to HMF.