Production of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural from inulin catalyzed by sulfonated amorphous carbon in an ionic liquid

The production of 5-hydroxylmethylfurfural (HMF) from inulin over sulfonated amorphous carbon was studied in an ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl). The effects of reaction solvent, water content, reaction temperature, reaction time, and catalyst dosage on the yield of HMF were investigated. Experimental results indicated that optimum reaction conditions required a reaction temperature of 100 °C, a reaction time of 60 min, an R value of 5 (R represents the molar ratio of added water to fructose units in inulin), and a mass ratio of catalyst to inulin of 1:3, affording HMF in yields of up to 50%.