Tailored one-pot production of furan-based fuels from fructose in an ionic liquid biphasic solvent system

The one-pot catalytic transformation of biomass to useful products is desirable for saving cost and time. The integration of the various reaction steps need to address the presence of incompatible reaction conditions and numerous side reactions. We report a novel process for the one-pot production of furan-based fuels, 2,5-dimethylfuran (DMF) and 2,5-dihmethyltetrahydrofuran (DMTF), from fructose by optimizing the synergic effect of an ionic liquid promoted Ru/C catalyst and the solvent effect. The dehydration of fructose and subsequent in situ hydrodeoxygenation of HMF to DMF and DMTF on Ru/C were enhanced by the use of an ionic liquid and a biphasic [BMIm]Cl/THF solvent. Elemental analysis, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and H2-temperature programmed reduction–mass spectroscopy characterization showed that the ionic liquid modified the electronic density of the Ru species to favor HMF in situ hydrodeoxygenation. Moreover, THF served as a reaction-extraction solvent that extracted DMF and DMTF from the reaction layer to avoid further side reactions. A rational design that gave enhancement of the catalytic performance and product protection provides a promising strategy for the one-pot conversion of biomass to desired fuels.

Graphical AbstractOne-pot production of 2, 5-dimethylfuran and 2, 5- dihmethyltetrahydrofuran from fructose by optimizing the synergic effect of ionic liquid promoted Ru/C catalyst and solvent effect was reported.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide