Chemical Transformation for 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Production from Saccharides Using Molten Salt System

Abstract

Herein, we have demonstrated using a eutectic ternary LiNO3–NaNO3–KNO3 (LSP) molten salt melt under mild conditions for chemical transformation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) production directly from biomass-derived saccharides, such as fructose, glucose, cellobiose, starch, and cellulose. In addition, 2-sec-butylphenol (SBP) was used for enhancing HMF production through efficient extraction from LSP salt melts. Notably, LSP salt can be recovered and reused without compromising activity, which could make this chemical transformation sustainable. Moreover, a simple vacuum distillation system can be employed for easy separation of HMF while processing. The aforementioned chemical transformation through LSP molten salt melts could be attributed to the intrinsic unique acid–base pair and saccharide molecule perturbation by small cations present in molten salt melts.