Thai researchers developed a continuous monophasic process for producing 5-hydroxymethylfurfural directly from sugarcane syrup, using citric acid instead of mineral acid and screening lower-toxicity solvents. Optimized selectivity reached 43.9%, and adsorption plus solvent evaporation yielded 99% purity.
Key findings
- Optimized conditions were 15 wt% citric acid, 170 degrees Celsius, O:A 0.25:1, and 80 minutes residence time in an acetone-based monophasic system, giving 43.9% selectivity. Downstream adsorption and evaporation produced 99%-pure 5-HMF without complex biphasic extraction.
Why this matters globally
5-HMF is a platform molecule for bio-based and high-value products. Direct syrup use and continuous processing may connect agriculture with chemical manufacturing, but sustainability depends on heating energy, catalyst and solvent production, solvent recovery, and food-feedstock trade-offs.
Thai researcher contribution
Mahidol University and Kasetsart University developed the reaction, optimization, and purification train using a sugarcane-derived feedstock relevant to Thailand's bioeconomy.
Limitations to consider
A 43.9% selectivity leaves by-products or losses to manage. Microreactor results do not yet establish commercial throughput, long-run stability, fouling, mass balance, cost, or lifecycle emissions. Acetone requires recovery and residual-solvent control.