Catalytic dehydration of cassava-derived glucose into 5-hydroxymethyl-furan (5-HMF) in 1-butyl-3- methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM]Cl)

Catalytic dehydration of glucose and fructose into 5- Hydroxymethylfuran (5-HMF) catalysed by sulfated zirconia in 1- butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM][Cl]) ionic liquid was investigated by reactive vacuum distillation process. A 5-HMF yields of 82% and 65% were obtained using fructose and glucose substrates in 2 h reaction time at 180 oC. When the reaction time was increased beyond 2 h, a decreased in 5-HMF yield was observed. The ionic liquid and sulfated zirconia exhibited a constant activity when recycled for five successive trials. This process provided an avenue whereby the production of 5-HMF from cassava-derived carbohydrate is conducted and separated with minimal use of volatile solvents. Keywords : Cassava, 5-Hydroxymethylfuran, reactive vacuum distillation