Facile production of chitin from crab shells using ionic liquid and citric acid

► We performed chitin production from crab shells using ionic liquid and citric acid. ► Direct extraction with the ionic liquid was first conducted at elevated temperature. ► The extraction mixture was treated with citric acid/water for demineralization. ► Analytical data of the product were identical to those of a commercial chitin. ► The degree of deacetylation was less than 7%.