Synthesis of hydroxymethylfurfural from cellulose using green processes: A promising biochemical and biofuel feedstock

Inedible, lignocellulosic biomass has been recognized as most promising renewable resource for the production of high value bio-chemicals. The pretreated biomass or isolated cellulose is a biopolymer of glucose used as a stating material for the synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). HMF is listed among the top 10 bio-based chemicals by USA Department of Energy and it acts as feedstock for deriving a number of commodity products (Bonzell and Petersen, 2010, Green Chem. 12, 539). In present review, we have systematically summarized the catalytic reaction for the synthesis of HMF from pretreated biomass/isolated cellulose using green processes. Further, through catalytic approach, HMF is translated into industrial important chemicals (2,5-diformylfuran, furan-2,5-dicarboxylicacid, 2,5-furandimethanol, furfuraylalcohol, etc) or high calorific value biofuel (2,5-dimethylfuran, 2,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuran, 2,5-bis(alkoxymethyl)furans, etc). In the profitable scale of HMF production, levulinic acid (LA) is generated as a major byproduct. Besides HMF, this review also outlines the catalytic strategy for the conversion of LA to industrially important chemicals along with the biofuel additives. Finally, the bio-toxicity of synthesized chemicals, which connected into different functional groups have been summarized to meet the criteria of the green technology for commercialization.

Synthesis of cellulose derives industrially important compounds through HMF.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (178 K)Download as PowerPoint slide