Cellulose Conversion to Isosorbide in Molten Salt hydrate Media

Abstract

An efficient process concept for the production of isosorbide is reported. Lignocellulose (after hemicellulose removal) is treated with a molten salt hydrate ZnCl2 medium in which cellulose is dissolved and reactions proceed: hydrolysis of cellulose to glucose, hydrogenation of glucose to glucitol (sorbitol), and further dehydration of glucitol to isosorbide. The ZnCl2 hydrate medium intensifies hydrolysis and catalyzes dehydration.