Green Conversion of Macroalgae Ulva lactuca to 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural in Deep Eutectic Solvent Catalyzed by ChCl and HCl
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59796/jcst.V16N3.2026.200Keywords:
5-hydroxymethylfurfural, macroalgae Ulva lactuca, deep eutectic solvents, choline chloride, bio-refinery processAbstract
In this research, sustainable production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) from macroalgae Ulva lactuca (MUL) was methodically studied in a closed system in the presence of a deep eutectic solvent (DES). Herein, the DES consisted of choline chloride (ChCl) and hydrochloric acid (HCl) in acetonitrile solvent, which could be practically applied in relevant reactions such as hydrolysis, isomerization, and dehydration. The roles and benefits of the DES and the types of organic solvents utilized in the reactions were described in preliminary detail. Polymeric humins, as undesirable by-products, were favorably formed via further condensation and/or polymerization of 5-HMF when excessive amounts of HCl or ChCl were utilized under harsh conditions in the catalytic system. Important parameters, such as HCl amount, ChCl amount, reaction time, and temperature, were scrupulously investigated to determine the optimum conditions for 5-HMF production. As anticipated, a maximum yield of 5-HMF (93.9%) was achieved at 120°C for 90 min using 2.4 mmol of HCl and 28 mmol of ChCl. The long-term reusability of ChCl in the catalytic system was also tested under optimum conditions, and the results showed that spent ChCl could be successfully recrystallized and reused four times with only slight reductions in 5-HMF yield. These studies pave the way for future advancements in green catalytic processes for the specific production of high value-added chemicals. This research offers an alternative route for sustainable production of 5-HMF from MUL feedstock, and is also potentially applicable to practical bio-refinery processes.
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