Catalytic Conversion of Sugarcane Bagasse into 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural

Furan derivatives especially 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural has recently been regarded as one important precursor for the production of biofuels and biobased compounds.

Aims: The aim of this study was to convert sugarcane bagasse into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural using Tetrabutylammonium bromide, Tetramethylammonium chloride and metal chlorides (chromium chloride, copper chloride, ferric chloride and cobalt chloride) in dimethylsulphoxide; using different reaction time and temperatures.

Study Design: The design of this study includes preparation of two different systems of catalyst to convert sugarcane bagasse into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.

Place and Duration of Study: This study conducted at Department of Applied and Industrial Chemistry, International University of Africa- Sudan, between 2017 and 2019.

Methodology: Two different catalytic systems were prepared to convert sugarcane bagasse into 5-hydroxymethylfurfaural, the first system Tetrabutylammonium bromide and metal chlorides (Chromium chloride, copper chloride, ferric chloride and cobalt chloride) in dimethyl sulphoxide; the second system tetrametheylammonium chloride and same metal chlorides in dimethylsulphoxide. The conversion of sugarcane bagasse was conducted at temperatures 100, 130 and 150°C; in addition to reaction times 60, 90 and 120 min.

Results: The obtained results indicated that the yield of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural was high 53.41% at 150°C and 120 min reaction time when chrome chloride was used in Tetrabutylammonium bromide and dimethylsulphoxide as co-solvent; although the highest yield 89.23%, was noted also at same condition, when chromium chloride was used in Tetramethylammonium chloride and dimethylsulphoxide as co-solvent.

Conclusion: Based on these results chromium chloride was considered the best catalyst for yielding 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from sugarcane bagasse in both Tertabutylammonium bromide and Tetramethylammonium chloride; but is best in Tetramethylammonium chloride.