Selective extraction of hemicelluloses from spruce using switchable ionic liquids

► Switchable ionic liquids made from, either hexanol or butanol, and CO2 together with an amidine (DBU) were studied as dissolution/fractionation solvents for spruce wood. ► After the treatment undissolved fraction contained 38 wt.% less hemicelluloses. ► We conclude that switchable ionic liquids are effective solvent for fractionation of wood material, and they are easily recycled and can be reused.