Efficient catalytic system for converting N-acetyl-d-glucosamine into valuable chemical 3-acetylamino-5-acetylfuran

This paper briefs the emerging strategies for the designing of catalytic systems, which direct conversion of chitin biomass monomer N-acetyl-d-glucosamine (NAG) to 3-acetylamino-5-acetylfuran was studied systemically. Twelve catalysts were investigated, and pyrazine hydrochloride ([Pyz]Cl) ionic liquid exhibited the good performance-achieving 3A5AF with yields of 36.94% from NAG. Further adding boric acid and CaCl2, treating at 190 °C for 60 min, the conversion rate of NAG is 100%, and the yield of 3A5AF can be increased to 69.54% in DMA. Furthermore, functional group changes before and after the reaction have been characterized by FTIR, HPLC-MS and 13C NMR were applied to monitor the reaction process with [Pyz]Cl as the catalyst. The reactive intermediate was clearly detected by these techniques. Accordingly, a possible reaction pathway was proposed. The results of this experiment provide a mild and efficient reaction route for the degradation of biomass, and enrich the theoretical research of quaternary amine catalysts in the conversion of biomass waste into high value-added chemicals.