Fast Synthesis of Hydroxymethylfurfural from Levoglucosenone by Mixing with Sulphuric Acid and Heating in a Microtube Reactor

Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a promising platform chemical in future bio-based industry for synthesis of variety furan derivatives. Studies on the HMF have focused mainly saccharides as feedstock. Recently, levoglucosenone (LGO), anhydrosugar available from cellulose pyrolysis, has been identified an alternative feedstock, which can be converted to under milder conditions only with acid and water catalyst solvent, respectively. To further explore potential this reaction, study, we demonstrated below 100°C within few minutes at high yields. The employment microtube reactor concentration sulfuric was effective, leading highest yield 61.5%-C reaction selectivity over 80%. Kinetic analysis revealed that rapid heating after mixing LGO catalytic aqueous solution essential supress side generates degradation products LGO. glucose or fructose feedstock same resulted poor yield.