Microwave heating for rapid conversion of sugars and polysaccharides to 5-chloromethyl furfural

S.W. Breeden, J.H. Clark, T.J. Farmer, D.J. MacQuarrie, J.S. Meimoun, Y. Nonne, J.E.S.J. Reid

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A range of carbohydrates has been rapidly and selectively converted to 5-chloromethyl furfural using microwave heating in a biphasic reaction system with a range of organic solvents. Fructose and inulin were especially effective for production of this valuable bio-platform molecule, with yields of >70% obtained in 15 minutes under microwave heating. Yields from cellulose were dramatically increased with ball mill pre-treatment, this being associated with a reduction in polysaccharide crystallinity.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)72-75
Number of pages4
JournalGreen Chemistry
Volume15
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2013

Keywords

  • bio-platform molecules
  • GREEN CHEMISTRY
  • microwave chemistry

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