Sustainable Approach to Catalytic Conversion of Starch-based Biomaterials into Hydroxymethylfurfural Using Ionic Liquids

The concept of sustainable chemistry includes three main parameters; the use of renewable biofeedstock for syntheses of chemical compounds, nontoxic solvents, and eco-friendly processing systems. Until now, many attempts have been made to meet these parameters in chemical synthesis. In hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) synthesis, most studies have focused on the conversion of cellulosic/lignocellulosic biomass to HMF. In addition to these biomasses, starch has also been intensively studied for the sustainable synthesis of HMF in ionic liquids. These studies demonstrated that starch-based biomaterials have high potential as renewable feedstocks for HMF synthesis by affording substantial yields of HMF. Starch is a more favorable biofeedstock than other carbohydrate materials because it is available at a relatively low cost and is likely applicable to the cost-effective mass production of HMF. Our studies confirmed the high yields of HMF from starch-based biomaterials in ionic liquid. Based on our results and related data, this review describes the current knowledge on the concept of chemical sustainability, importance of starch-based biomaterials as a biomass source for sustainable production of HMF, nature and application of HMF and ionic liquids, and bioengineering technologies for improving starch quantity and quality.