Preparation of Furfural from Bagasse Catalyzed by Ionic Liquid to Reduce Industrial Pollutants

A preparative method of furfural from bagasse catalyzed by the ionic liquid [Hmim] HSO₄ (1-Methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate) was developed in the paper and response surface methodology (RSM) was successfully applied to optimize the process. Central Composite Rotatable Design (CCRD) was employed to search for the optimal furfural yield. By the comparison of hydrolysis results of [Hmim] HSO₄ and concentrated sulfuric acid as catalyst, the former was found to have strong catalytic ability and less pollution. The technology could not only reduce the pressure of industrial waste to environment through a green chemical process, but also contribute to realize the full utilization of raw materials and obtain maxim economic benefits.