초록
<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>An efficient and green conversion process of producing 5-ethoxymethylfurfural (EMF) from corn stover was developed. The solid zeolite USY provided the good catalytic performance in ethanol medium with tetrahydrofuran (THF) as co-solvent, which can promote the formation of EMF, reducing the formation of ethyl levulinate and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. The reaction conditions were optimized via response surface methodology leading to a maximum EMF yield of 21.8% in ethanol/THF (volume ratio 1:1) under the conditions of 168 °C, 1 wt% USY loading and 2.9 h. Meanwhile, USY can be reused in five consecutive reaction runs with high activity, upholding the same initial activity and structural integrity. A plausible reaction pathway for the conversion of corn stover to EMF in ethanol/THF medium was further proposed. This study showed that the improved catalytic system presents an efficient method for direct production of EMF from lignocellulosic biomass.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Corn stover can be efficiently converted into high valued EMF by direct alcoholysis. </LI> <LI> A high EMF yield of 21.8% was achieved catalyzed by USY in ethanol/THF. </LI> <LI> USY can be reused for five times with high catalytic ability. </LI> <LI> Reaction pathway for the conversion of corn stover into EMF was proposed. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>