Combination of deep eutectic solvent and functionalized metal-organic frameworks as a green process for the production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural from sugars

Biomass is an abundant and sustainable resource that can be converted into energy and chemicals. Therefore, the development of efficient methods for the conversion of biomass into platform intermediates is crucial. In this study, the one-pot conversion of sugars into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and furfural was achieved using the metal-organic framework combined with metal ions [MIL-101(Cr)] as a high-activity catalyst, and a deep eutectic solvent (choline chloride and lactic acid) as a green solvent. The optimal temperature, time, amount of catalyst used, and amount of deep eutectic solvent used were all determined. The highest HMF yield of 49.74% and furfural yield of 55.90% were obtained. The recyclability of the catalysts and deep eutectic solvent was also investigated. After three reaction runs, the HMF yield was still nearly 30.00%. Finally, the MIL-101(Cr) catalytic system was selected to study the kinetic mechanism underlying the conversion of glucose into HMF.