Conversion of xylan, d-xylose and lignocellulosic biomass into furfural using AlCl3 as catalyst in ionic liquid

► AlCl3 was used as catalyst in ionic liquid to produce FUR from xylan and xylose firstly. ► AlCl3 was more effective than mineral acid in producing FUR from xylan in ionic liquid. ► The treatments were conducted at atmospheric pressure. ► The catalyst was cheap and easily available. ► The catalytic system was more ecologically viable than current technology.