SO3H-functionalized ionic liquid: Efficient catalyst for bagasse liquefaction

► Acidic ILs as catalysts in the liquefaction of bagasse in hot compressed water. ► 96.1% Liquefaction and 50.6% selectivity for low-boiling chemicals obtained at 543 K. ► Catalytic activities and selectivity depend greatly on the acidic strength of the ILs. ► ILs catalytic liquefaction competed with hydrolysis processes. ► A possible liquefaction mechanism was proposed.