阅读说明：本技术 生产5-(卤甲基)糠醛的方法 (Process for producing 5- (halomethyl) furfural ) 是由 A·B·伍德 M·N·马苏诺 R·L·史密斯 J·比塞尔 D·A·赫希-维尔 R·J·阿雷 于 2014-09-19 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开提供了通过酸催化转化C6糖,包括其异构体、其聚合物及其某些衍生物,而生产包括5-(氯甲基)糠醛的5-(卤甲基)糠醛的方法。该方法利用较低浓度的酸,并使得糖在较高的温度和较快的反应或停留时间下转化成5-(卤甲基)糠醛。(The present disclosure provides methods for producing 5- (halomethyl) furfural, including 5- (chloromethyl) furfural, by acid-catalyzed conversion of C6 sugars, including isomers thereof, polymers thereof, and certain derivatives thereof. The process utilizes lower concentrations of acid and allows the conversion of sugars to 5- (halomethyl) furfural at higher temperatures and faster reaction or residence times.)

1. A method of producing 5- (halomethyl) furfural, comprising:

a) combining starting materials, an acid, and a salt in a reaction vessel to form a reaction mixture, wherein:

the acid is HX, wherein X is halogen;

the salt is A^r+(X^-)_rWherein:

A^r+is a group I or group II cation, and

X^-is a halide anion; and

the reaction mixture has a [ H ] of less than 12M⁺](ii) a And

b) producing 5- (halomethyl) furfural from at least a portion of the feedstock in the reaction mixture.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein X is chlorine or bromine.

3. The process of claim 1 or 2, wherein the acid is added continuously.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein A is^r+Is Li⁺、Na⁺、K⁺、Rb⁺、Cs⁺、Mg²⁺、Ca²⁺Or Sr²⁺。

5. The method of claim 4, wherein A^r+Is Li⁺。

6. The method of claim 4, wherein A^r+Is Ca²⁺。

7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the reaction mixture has a [ H ] of less than or equal to 5M⁺]。

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the reaction mixture has less than or equal to 1M [ H [ ]⁺]。

9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the reaction mixture has a [ X ] of at least 5M^-]。

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the reaction mixture has:

less than or equal to 8M of [ H⁺](ii) a And

at least 5M of [ X^-]。

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to the production of furfural, and more particularly to the production of 5- (halomethyl) furfural, including, for example, 5- (chloromethyl) furfural or 5- (bromomethyl) furfural, from renewable biomass resources (e.g., cellulose, hemicellulose, starch, and sugars).

Background

For decades, considerable efforts have been invested to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels for the transport of fuels and for the use as raw materials for industrial chemicals, focusing in particular on achieving the economic feasibility of renewable raw materials. Due to the continued long-term growth in fuel prices, increased environmental concerns, continued regional stability issues, and reiterated concerns about the eventual depletion of fossil fuels, greater efforts are being made to more efficiently utilize renewable resources and develop "green" technologies.

Cellulose in biomass is commonly used as a feedstock for biofuel production. For example, cellulose can be used to produce ethanol. Cellulose may also be used for the production of furan-based biofuels via 5- (halomethyl) furfural, such as 5- (chloromethyl) furfural (CMF). CMF can be converted to 5 (ethoxymethyl) furfural, a compound that is seen as a promising diesel fuel additive. Alternatively, CMF can also be converted to 5-methylfurfural, another compound considered as a promising candidate biofuel.

The first description of CMF production from cellulose was in the early twentieth century. Currently, various synthetic routes to produce CMF from biomass using concentrated hydrochloric acid are known in the art. For example, U.S. patent No. 7,829,732 describes a process for producing CMF from biomass using concentrated hydrochloric acid and 1, 2-dichloroethane as a solvent. See also, Szmann & Chundury, J.chem.Tech.Biotechnol.1981,31, 205-; liu et al, J.Phys.chem.A,2011,115, 13628-. However, the use of concentrated hydrochloric acid creates several challenges on a commercial scale. For example, the use of concentrated hydrochloric acid can cause corrosion of the reactor.

Therefore, what is needed in the art is a commercially viable process for producing 5- (halomethyl) furfural from biomass using lower acid concentrations.

Disclosure of Invention

Provided herein are methods of producing 5- (halomethyl) furfural, including 5- (chloromethyl) furfural (CMF) and 5- (bromomethyl) furfural (BMF), using lower acid concentrations than currently known in the art. Lower acid concentrations may provide process advantages for the commercial production of 5- (halomethyl) furfural. For example, lower acid concentrations may reduce reactor corrosion.

In one aspect, a process for producing 5- (halomethyl) furfural by:

a) combining in a reaction vessel a feedstock, an aqueous acid, and a salt to form a reaction mixture, wherein:

the aqueous acid is a halogen-containing acid; and

the reaction mixture has a [ H ] of less than 12M⁺](ii) a And

b) converting at least a portion of the feedstock in the reaction mixture to produce 5- (halomethyl) furfural.

In other embodiments, the method further comprises isolating the 5- (halomethyl) furfural from the reaction mixture.

In some aspects, there is also provided a composition comprising: raw materials; an aqueous acid; and a salt, wherein:

the aqueous acid is a halogen-containing acid; and

the composition has [ H ] of less than 12M⁺]。

In certain embodiments of the methods and compositions described herein, the aqueous acid is hydrochloric acid or hydrobromic acid. In one variation, the aqueous acid is HX, where X is halogen.

In certain embodiments of the methods and compositions described herein, the salt has formula a^r+(X^-)_rWherein A is^r+Is a cation of charge r, where X is halogen and X is^-Is an anion. In some variations, [ X ]^-]Is [ Cl ]^-]Or [ Br^-]。

In some embodiments that may be combined with any of the methods and compositions described herein, the starting material, aqueous acid, and salt are further combined with a solvent.

In some embodiments of the methods and compositions described herein, the feedstock is selected from corn stover, rice hulls, peanut hulls, distillers grains, paper sludge, cardboard, Old Corrugated Containers (OCC), Old Newspapers (ONP), mixed paper, wheat straw, paper mill effluent, newsprint, municipal solid waste, wood chips, forest thinning products (forest thinnings), woodland remnant (slash), miscanthus, switchgrass, sorghum, bagasse, manure, wastewater biosolids, green waste, and food or feed processing residue, or any combination thereof. In other embodiments, the feedstock comprises glucose, fructose, sucrose, starch, inulin, cellulose, hemicellulose, cellulose oligomers, cellobiose, or any combination thereof.

Drawings

The application can be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 depicts an exemplary reaction for converting glucose to 5- (chloromethyl) furfural using HCl and LiCl.

Figure 2A is a graph comparing the effect of HCl concentration on selectivity of 5- (chloromethyl) furfural produced.

Fig. 2B is a graph comparing the effect of HCl concentration on the yield of 5- (chloromethyl) furfural produced.

FIG. 3 is a graph depicting exemplary reaction temperatures and reaction temperatures in zone A of the methods described herein.

Detailed Description

The following description sets forth exemplary methods, parameters, and the like. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure, but is instead provided as a description of exemplary embodiments.

Referring to fig. 1, a process 100 is an exemplary reaction for producing 5- (halomethyl) furfural by contacting a feedstock 102, an acid 104, and a salt 106. The feedstock 102 in this exemplary reaction is glucose. While glucose is depicted in open chain form in fig. 1, it is understood that any isomer of glucose may be used. For example, the starting material 102 may be a cyclic isomer of glucose. The open chain form of glucose used in method 100 may exist in equilibrium with several cyclic isomers. Further, the feedstock 102 may also be a monosaccharide (as depicted in fig. 1), or may be a disaccharide or polysaccharide composed of monomeric units having six carbon atoms in other variations.

As depicted in fig. 1, acid 104 is hydrochloric acid (HCl), thereby producing 5- (chloromethyl) furfural as product 110. It is to be understood, however, that hydrobromic acid may also be used to produce 5- (bromomethyl) furfural under similar reaction conditions as described in process 100. While hydrochloric acid is provided for use in the method 100, it should also be understood that in other exemplary embodiments, the acid 104 may be generated in situ by combining reagents that can form the acid 104 in situ in the reaction mixture.

The concentration of acid used in process 100 is less than 12M. As depicted in fig. 1, acid 104 is 6M hydrochloric acid. It is understood, however, that the acid concentration may vary depending on a number of factors including the type of feedstock used. For example, in other exemplary reactions, the starting material may be fructose, and 4M hydrochloric acid may be used.

Exemplary method 100 further requires that a salt be present in the reaction mixture. The salt 106 depicted in fig. 1 is lithium chloride. It will be appreciated that other suitable salts may be used. For example, in another variation, the method may use calcium chloride or a combination of lithium chloride and calcium chloride as the salt. It is also understood that hydrobromic acid may be used to produce 5- (bromomethyl) furfural under similar reaction conditions as described in process 100. While lithium chloride is provided for use in the method 100, it should also be understood that in other exemplary embodiments, the salt 106 may be generated in situ by combining reagents that can form the salt 106 in situ in the reaction mixture.

The exemplary method 100 is typically performed at elevated temperatures. For example, the process 100 can be carried out at a reaction temperature of at least 80 ℃.

It is understood that the method 100 may use one or more additional reagents. For example, in some variations, the method 100 may include a solvent or a mixture of solvents. Further, it is understood that the method 100 may employ one or more additional steps. For example, in other variations, the process 100 can further comprise isolating 5- (halomethyl) furfural from the reaction mixture.

The methods and compositions described herein employ a variety of reagents and reaction conditions, each of which is described in further detail below.

Raw materials

The starting materials used in the processes described herein refer to the starting materials for such processes. Suitable feedstocks for the production of 5- (halomethyl) furfural may include any material containing sugars. In some embodiments, the feedstock may include six carbon (C6) sugars. It is understood that "six carbon sugar" or "C6 sugar" refers to a sugar having a monomer unit with six carbons. The starting material may comprise a monosaccharide, disaccharide, polysaccharide or any mixture thereof. In one variation, the feedstock comprises one or more C6 monosaccharides. In another variation, the starting material is a disaccharide or polysaccharide comprising monomeric units having six carbon atoms. It is understood that the monomer units may be the same or different.

In one embodiment, the starting material is a monosaccharide. Examples of suitable monosaccharides include glucose, fructose or any other isomer thereof. In another embodiment, the starting material is a disaccharide. Examples of suitable disaccharides include sucrose. In yet another embodiment, the starting material is a polysaccharide. Examples of polypeptides include cellulose, hemicellulose, cellulose acetate, and chitin. In other embodiments, the feedstock comprises a mixture of monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides. For example, in one variation, the feedstock can include glucose, sucrose, and cellulose.

In some embodiments, the feedstock comprises a C6 sugar selected from the group consisting of: glucose, fructose (e.g., high fructose corn syrup), cellobiose, sucrose, lactose, and maltose, or isomers thereof (including any stereoisomers thereof), or any mixture thereof. In one embodiment, the feedstock comprises glucose, or a dimer or polymer thereof, or an isomer thereof. In another embodiment, the starting material comprises fructose, or a dimer or polymer thereof, or an isomer thereof. In another variation, the starting material is a sugar composition. For example, the sugar composition may comprise a single sugar or a mixture of sugars such as fructose, glucose, sucrose, lactose and maltose.

Suitable starting materials for use in the methods and compositions described herein may also include derivatives of the above sugars. Suitable starting materials for use in the methods and compositions described herein can be aldoses, ketoses, or any mixture thereof. In some embodiments, the feedstock comprises a C6 aldose, a C6 ketose, or any mixture thereof. In one embodiment, the starting material is a C6 aldose sugar. Examples of suitable aldoses include glucose. In another embodiment, the starting material is a C6 ketose. Examples of suitable ketoses include fructose. In yet another embodiment, the feedstock comprises a mixture of a C6 aldose and a C6 ketose. For example, in one variation, the feedstock can include glucose and fructose.

In some embodiments, when the starting material comprises a sugar, the sugar may be present in an open chain form, a cyclic form, or a mixture thereof. For example, the glucose depicted in fig. 1 is in an open chain form; however, cyclic isomers of glucose may also be used in the process or present in the reaction mixture. One skilled in the art recognizes that when the starting material comprises glucose, the open chain form of the glucose used may exist in equilibrium with several cyclic isomers in the reaction.

In other embodiments, when the starting material comprises a saccharide, the saccharide may be present as any stereoisomer, or as a mixture of stereoisomers. For example, in certain embodiments, the feedstock can include D-glucose, L-glucose, or a mixture thereof. In other embodiments, the feedstock may include D-fructose, L-fructose, or a mixture thereof.

In one variation, the starting material comprises hexoses. Those skilled in the art recognize that hexoses are monosaccharides with six carbon atoms, having the formula C₆H₁₂O₆. The hexose may be an aldohexose or a ketohexose or a mixture thereof. The hexose may be in open chain form, cyclic form or a mixture thereof. The hexose may be any stereoisomer, or a mixture of stereoisomers. Suitable hexoses may include, for example, glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose, allose, altrose, gulose, idose, talose, psicose, sorbose, and tagatose, or any mixture thereof.

The starting materials used in the methods and compositions described herein can be obtained from any commercially available source. For example, one skilled in the art recognizes that cellulose and hemicellulose may be found in biomass (e.g., cellulosic or lignocellulosic biomass). In some embodiments, the feedstock is biomass, which may be any plant material or plant-derived material composed of relatively high oxygen organic compounds, such as carbohydrates, and also contains significant amounts of other organic compounds. Biomass may also contain other materials such as inorganic salts and clays.

By disrupting the crystalline structure of cellulose and hemicellulose, and disrupting the lignin structure (if present), the biomass can be pretreated to help make the sugars in the biomass more accessible. Pretreatment common in the art includes, for example, mechanical treatment (e.g., shredding, pulverizing, grinding), concentrated acids, dilute acids, SO₂Alkali, hydrogen peroxide, wet oxidation, steam explosion, Ammonia Fiber Explosion (AFEX), supercritical CO₂Blasting, liquid hot water and organic solvent treatment.

Biomass can come from a variety of sources. For example, biomass can be derived from agricultural materials (e.g., corn kernels, corn cobs, corn stover, rice hulls, peanut hulls, and distillers grains), processing waste (e.g., paper sludge), and recycled cellulosic materials (e.g., cardboard, Old Corrugated Containers (OCC), Old Newspapers (ONP), and mixed papers). Other examples of suitable biomass may include wheat straw, paper mill effluent, newsprint, municipal solid waste, wood chips, sawdust, forest thinning products, woodland remnant, miscanthus, switchgrass, sorghum, bagasse, manure, wastewater biosolids, green waste, and food/chat processing residues.

Combinations of any of the starting materials described herein may also be used. For example, in one variation, the feedstock can include glucose, corn kernel, and wood chips. In another variation, the feedstock may include wood chips and cardboard. In yet another variation, the feedstock may include bagasse and cardboard.

Acid(s)

Type of acid

The acid used in the methods and compositions described herein is a halogen-containing acid. Such acids have the formula HX, wherein X is halogen. Any suitable acid that can cause dehydration and cyclization to produce 5- (halomethyl) furfural can be used. In some embodiments, the acid is a halogen-containing inorganic acid or a halogen-containing organic acid. Mixtures of acids may also be used.

In certain embodiments, the acid may be a chloride acid, or an acid with chloride ions. In one embodiment, the acid is hydrochloric acid. When chloride acid, acid with chloride ion or hydrochloric acid is used, 5- (halomethyl) furfural is 5- (chloromethyl) furfural (CMF).

In certain embodiments, the acid may be a bromide acid, or an acid with bromide ions. In one embodiment, the acid is hydrobromic acid. When bromide acid, acid with bromide ions, or hydrobromic acid is used, 5- (halomethyl) furfural is 5- (bromomethyl) furfural (BMF).

The acids used in the methods and compositions described herein can be aqueous and/or gaseous. In some embodiments, the acid is an aqueous acid. By "aqueous acid" is meant an acid that is dissolved or at least partially dissolved in water. In certain embodiments, the aqueous acid is hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, and fluoroboric acid. Those skilled in the art recognize that when nitric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, or fluoroboric acid is used, such acid can be used as one of the reagents for the in situ production of an acid of formula HX, where X is a halogen. In one variation, the acid of formula HX can be provided by reacting an aqueous acid (e.g., nitric acid, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, or fluoroboric acid) with a halide salt.

Thus, the acids used herein may be obtained from any commercially available source or generated in situ by providing suitable reagents to the reaction mixture. For example, hydrochloric acid may be generated in situ in the reaction mixture by providing sulfuric acid and sodium chloride to the reaction mixture. Thus, in some embodiments, there is provided a method of producing 5- (chloromethyl) furfural by the steps of: a) combining a feedstock, sulfuric acid, sodium chloride, and lithium chloride in a reaction vessel to form a reaction mixture, wherein the sulfuric acid and sodium chloride form hydrochloric acid in situ; and b) converting at least a portion of the starting materials in the reaction mixture to produce 5- (chloromethyl) furfural.

In other embodiments, the acid fed to the reactor or reaction mixture is a gaseous acid. For example, at least a portion of such gaseous acid may be dissolved or partially dissolved in the reaction mixture to produce an aqueous acid.

Acid concentration

The concentration of the acid used in the methods and compositions described herein is typically less than 12M. One skilled in the art recognizes that concentrated hydrochloric acid is 12M. In some embodiments, the acids used in the methods and compositions described herein have the following concentrations: less than 12M, less than or equal to 11.5M, less than or equal to 11M, less than or equal to 10.5M, less than or equal to 10M, less than or equal to 9.5M, less than or equal to 9M, less than or equal to 8.5M, less than or equal to 7.5M, less than or equal to 7M, less than or equal to 6.5M, less than or equal to 6M, less than or equal to 5.5M, less than or equal to 5M, less than or equal to 4.5M, less than or equal to 4M, less than or equal to 3.5M, less than or equal to 3M, less than or equal to 2.5M, less than or equal to 2M, less than or equal to 1.5M, or less than or equal to 1M; or between 0.25M and 10M, between 0.25M and 9M, between 0.25M and 8M, between 0.25M and 7M, between 0.25M and 6M, between 0.25M and 5M, between 0.5M and 10M, between 0.5M and 9M, between 0.5M and 8M, between 0.5M and 7M, between 0.5M and 6M, between 0.5M and 5M, between 1M and 10M, between 1M and 9M, between 1M and 8M, between 1M and 7M, between 1M and 6M, between 1M and 5M, between 1M and 4M, or between 2M and 4M.

The concentration of the acid used herein may also vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of starting material used. In some embodiments, when the starting material is or includes an aldose, the acid has the following concentrations: less than 12M, less than or equal to 11M, less than or equal to 10M, less than or equal to 9M, less than or equal to 8M, less than or equal to 7M, less than or equal to 6M, less than or equal to 5M, less than or equal to 4M, less than or equal to 3M, or less than or equal to 2M; or between 0.25M and 11.5M, between 0.25M and 10M, between 0.5M and 8M, between 0.5 and 6M, or between 0.5 and 5M.

In certain embodiments, when the starting material is or includes glucose, the acid has the following concentrations: less than 12M, less than or equal to 11M, less than or equal to 10M, less than or equal to 9M, less than or equal to 8M, less than or equal to 7M, less than or equal to 6M, less than or equal to 5M, less than or equal to 4M, less than or equal to 3M, or less than or equal to 2M; or between 0.25M and 11.5M, between 0.25M and 10M, between 0.5M and 8M, between 0.5 and 6M, or between 0.5 and 5M.

In one embodiment, when the starting material is or includes glucose and hydrochloric acid is the acid used, the hydrochloric acid has the following concentrations: less than 12M, less than or equal to 11M, less than or equal to 10M, less than or equal to 9M, less than or equal to 8M, less than or equal to 7M, less than or equal to 6M, less than or equal to 5M, less than or equal to 4M, less than or equal to 3M, or less than or equal to 2M; or between 0.25M and 11.5M, between 0.25M and 10M, between 0.5M and 8M, between 0.5 and 6M, or between 0.5 and 5M.

In other embodiments, when the starting material is or includes ketose, the acid has the following concentrations: less than or equal to 6M, less than or equal to 5M, less than or equal to 4M, less than or equal to 3M, less than or equal to 2M, or less than or equal to 1M; or between 0.25M and 6M, between 0.25M and 5M, between 0.25M and 4M, between 0.25M and 3M, between 0.25M and 2M, between 0.5M and 6M, between 0.5M and 5M, between 0.5M and 4M, between 0.5M and 3M, between 0.5M and 2M, between 1M and 6M, between 1M and 5M, between 1M and 4M, between 1M and 3M, or between 1M and 2M.

In other embodiments, when the starting material is or includes fructose, the acid has the following concentrations: less than or equal to 6M, less than or equal to 5M, less than or equal to 4M, less than or equal to 3M, less than or equal to 2M, or less than or equal to 1M; or between 0.25M and 6M, between 0.25M and 5M, between 0.25M and 4M, between 0.25M and 3M, between 0.25M and 2M, between 0.5M and 6M, between 0.5M and 5M, between 0.5M and 4M, between 0.5M and 3M, between 0.5M and 2M, between 1M and 6M, between 1M and 5M, between 1M and 4M, between 1M and 3M, or between 1M and 2M.

In other embodiments, when the starting material is or includes fructose and hydrochloric acid is the acid used, the hydrochloric acid has the following concentrations: less than or equal to 6M, less than or equal to 5M, less than or equal to 4M, less than or equal to 3M, less than or equal to 2M, or less than or equal to 1M; or between 0.25M and 6M, between 0.25M and 5M, between 0.25M and 4M, between 0.25M and 3M, between 0.25M and 2M, between 0.5M and 6M, between 0.5M and 5M, between 0.5M and 4M, between 0.5M and 3M, between 0.5M and 2M, between 1M and 6M, between 1M and 5M, between 1M and 4M, between 1M and 3M, or between 1M and 2M.

⁺H concentration

The concentration of the acid used in the methods and compositions described herein affects the H in the reaction mixture⁺And (4) concentration.

In some embodiments, [ H ] in the reaction mixture⁺]Less than 12M, less than or equal to 11.5M, less than or equal to 11M, less than or equal to 10.5M, less than or equal to 10M, less than or equal to 9.5M, less than or equal to 9M, less than or equal to 8.5M, less than or equal to 8M, less than or equal to 7.5M, less than or equal to 7M, less than or equal to 6.5M, less than or equal to 6M, less than or equal to 5.5M, less than or equal to 5M, less than or equal to 7.5MOr equal to 4.5M, less than or equal to 4M, less than or equal to 3.5M, less than or equal to 3M, less than or equal to 2.5M, less than or equal to 2M, less than or equal to 1.5M, or less than or equal to 1M; or between 0.25M and 10M, between 0.25M and 9M, between 0.25M and 8M, between 0.25M and 7M, between 0.25M and 6M, between 0.25M and 5M, between 0.5M and 10M, between 0.5M and 9M, between 0.5M and 8M, between 0.5M and 7M, between 0.5M and 6M, between 0.5M and 5M, between 1M and 10M, between 1M and 9M, between 1M and 8M, between 1M and 7M, between 1M and 6M, between 1M and 5M, between 1M and 4M, or between 2M and 4M.

In certain embodiments, [ H ] in the reaction mixture⁺]Less than 0.6M, less than 0.55M, less than 0.5M, less than 0.45M, less than 0.4M, less than 0.35M, less than 0.3M, less than 0.25M, less than 0.2M, less than 0.15M, less than 0.1M, less than 0.05M, or less than 0.01M.

It is understood that [ H ] in the reaction mixture⁺]May depend on the concentration of the one or more acids used in the methods and compositions described herein.

It is generally understood that H⁺Is present in the methods described herein in sufficient amount to allow the reaction to proceed. Thus, in some embodiments, [ H⁺]Greater than 0M. For example, in some variations, [ H ]⁺]Greater than or equal to 0.0001M, 0.001M, or 0.1M.

In other embodiments, [ H ] in the reaction mixture⁺]Between the feed concentration and 5M. The feed concentration refers to the molar concentration of C6 monosaccharide or monomer units having six carbon atoms.

Acid concentration as described herein may refer to the starting concentration, the feed concentration, or the steady state concentration. The starting concentration refers to the concentration of the reaction mixture at the point in time when the reaction starts. Feed concentration refers to the concentration of reactants when combined prior to being fed into the reactor. The steady state concentration refers to the concentration at which the reaction is in a steady state.

In some variations, the acid is maintained at a nonzero [ H ]⁺]Is continuously added to the reaction mixture. It will be understood that the acid is consumed in stoichiometric amounts. For example, 1 mole of CMF requires 1 mole of H⁺And 1 mole glucose.

Salt (salt)

Type of salt

The salts used in the methods and compositions described herein can be inorganic salts and/or organic salts. "inorganic salt" refers to a complex of a positively charged species and a negatively charged species, wherein neither species includes the elemental carbon. "organic salt" refers to a complex of a positively charged species and a negatively charged species, wherein at least one of the species comprises elemental carbon.

The choice of the salt used may vary depending on the reaction conditions and the acid and solvent used. In some embodiments, the salt is an inorganic salt. In certain embodiments, the salt is a halogen-containing acid.

In some embodiments, the salt is of formula a^r+(X^-)_rWherein:

A^r+is a group I or group II cation; and

X^-is a halide anion.

It is understood that the variable "r" refers to the ionic charge. In certain variations, the salt has a monovalent or divalent cation. In other words, in certain variations, r may be 1 or 2.

Examples of salts that may be used in certain embodiments include lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, magnesium, and calcium salts. In some embodiments, the salt is a lithium salt. In other embodiments, the salt is a calcium salt. In some variations, A^r+Is Li⁺、Na⁺、K⁺、Rb⁺、Cs⁺、Mg²⁺、Ca²⁺Or Sr²⁺. In some variations, A^r+Is Li⁺、Mg²⁺Or Ca²⁺. In some variations, X^-Is Cl^-Or Br^-. In certain variations, the salt is LiX, NaX, KX, RbX, CsX, MgX₂、CaX₂Or SrX₂. In one variation, X is Cl or Br. In some variations, the salt is LiCl, NaCl, KCl, RbCl, CsCl、MgCl₂、CaCl₂、SrCl₂、LiBr、NaBr、KBr、RbBr、CsBr、MgBr₂、CaBr₂Or SrBr₂. In certain variations, the salt is selected from LiCl, MgCl₂、CaCl₂、NaCl、KCl、CsCl、LiBr、MgBr₂NaBr, KBr and CsBr. In one variation, the salt is LiCl. In another variation, the salt is CaCl₂。

Combinations of any of the salts described herein may also be used. For example, in some variations, LiCl and CaCl₂Can be used together as a salt. In other variations, additional salts may also be used. Such additional salts may be selected from, for example, zinc salts, silicates, carbonates, sulfates, sulfide salts, phosphates, perchlorates, and triflates. In certain embodiments, the additional salt is selected from ZnCl₂Lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiOTf) and sodium trifluoromethanesulfonate (NaOTf) or any combination thereof. In one variation, a combination of LiCl and LiOTf is used as the salt.

Salt concentration

The concentration of salt used in the methods and compositions described herein can vary. In some embodiments, the salt concentration is greater than 5M, greater than 6M, greater than 7M, greater than 8M, greater than 9M, or greater than 10M; or between 5M and 20M, between 5M and 15M, between 5.5M and 10M, between 7M and 10M, or between 7.5M and 9M; or about 10M, about 11M, about 12M, about 13M, about 14M, or about 15M.

For example, in some embodiments, when LiCl is the salt used, the concentration of LiCl is greater than 5M, greater than 6M, greater than 7M, greater than 8M, greater than 9M, or greater than 10M; or between 5M and 20M, between 5M and 15M, between 5.5M and 10M, between 7M and 10M, or between 7.5M and 9M; or about 10M, about 11M, about 12M, about 13M, about 14M, or about 15M. In other embodiments, the LiCl is present at about 0.1% to 50% (weight/weight) of the aqueous phase.

In other embodiments, when CaCl₂When the salt is used, CaCl₂Is more than 5M, more than 6M, more than 7M, more than8M, greater than 9M, or greater than 10M; or between 5M and 20M, between 5M and 15M, between 5.5M and 10M, between 7M and 10M, or between 7.5M and 9M; or about 10M, about 11M, about 12M, about 13M, about 14M, or about 15M. In other embodiments, CaCl₂Present at about 0.1% to 50% (w/w) of the aqueous phase.

In other embodiments, when MgCl₂When salts are used, MgCl₂Is greater than 5M, greater than 6M, greater than 7M, greater than 8M, greater than 9M, or greater than 10M; or between 5M and 20M, between 5M and 15M, between 5.5M and 10M, between 7M and 10M, or between 7.5M and 9M; or about 10M, about 11M, about 12M, about 13M, about 14M, or about 15M. In other embodiments, MgCl₂Present at about 0.1% to 50% (w/w) of the aqueous phase.

In some embodiments, when the salt used is LiCl, CaCl₂、MgCl₂Or mixtures thereof, at a salt concentration of greater than 5M, greater than 6M, greater than 7M, greater than 8M, greater than 9M, or greater than 10M; or between 5M and 20M, between 5M and 15M, between 5.5M and 10M, between 7M and 10M, or between 7.5M and 9M; or about 10M, about 11M, about 12M, about 13M, about 14M, or about 15M. In other embodiments, the salt or mixture of salts is present in about 0.1% to 50% (w/w) of the aqueous phase.

In some embodiments, when LiBr is the salt used, the concentration of LiBr is greater than 5M, greater than 6M, greater than 7M, greater than 8M, greater than 9M, or greater than 10M; or between 5M and 20M, between 5M and 15M, between 5.5M and 10M, between 7M and 10M, or between 7.5M and 9M; or about 10M, about 11M, about 12M, about 13M, about 14M, or about 15M. In other embodiments, LiBr is present at about 0.1% to 50% (weight/weight) of the aqueous phase.

In other embodiments, when CaBr₂When the salt is used, CaBr₂Is greater than 5M, greater than 6M, greater than 7M, greater than 8M, greater than 9M, or greater than 10M; or between 5M and 20M, between 5M and 15M, between 5.5M and 10M, between 7M and 10M, or between 7.5M and 9M; or about 10M, about 11M, about 12M, about 13M, about 14M, or about 15M. In other embodiments, CaBr₂Present at about 0.1% to 50% (w/w) of the aqueous phase.

In other embodiments, when MgBr₂When the salt is used, MgBr₂Is greater than 5M, greater than 6M, greater than 7M, greater than 8M, greater than 9M, or greater than 10M; or between 5M and 20M, between 5M and 15M, between 5.5M and 10M, between 7M and 10M, or between 7.5M and 9M; or about 10M, about 11M, about 12M, about 13M, about 14M, or about 15M. In other embodiments, MgBr₂Present at about 0.1% to 50% (w/w) of the aqueous phase.

In some embodiments, when the salt used is LiBr, CaBr₂、MgBr₂Or mixtures thereof, at a salt concentration of greater than 5M, greater than 6M, greater than 7M, greater than 8M, greater than 9M, or greater than 10M; or between 5M and 20M, between 5M and 15M, between 5.5M and 10M, between 7M and 10M, or between 7.5M and 9M; or about 10M, about 11M, about 12M, about 13M, about 14M, or about 15M. In other embodiments, the salt or mixture of salts is present in about 0.1% to 50% (w/w) of the aqueous phase.

^-Concentration of X

The concentration of the salt and acid used can affect the concentration of positively charged ions and negatively charged ions present in the reaction mixture. As discussed above, salts may be described as formula A^r+(X^-)_rWherein A is^r+Is a cation having an ionic charge "r", and X^-Is a halide anion. The concentration of cations present in the reaction mixture can be defined by the following equation:

wherein X is halogen.

It is understood that [ H ] in general⁺]Is referred to as H⁺Concentration; and [ X ]^-]Means X^-And (4) concentration.

In some embodiments, [ X ] in the reaction mixture^-]Is greater than 2M, greater than5M, more than 6M, more than 7M, more than 8M, more than 9M and more than 10M; or between 2M and 25M, between 5M and 20M, between 5M and 15M, between 5M and 12M, between 6M and 12M, between 5.5M and 10M, between 7M and 10M, between 7.5M and 9M, or between 6M and 12M; or about 10M, about 11M, about 12M, about 13M, about 14M, or about 15M.

For example, when the acid used is hydrochloric acid (HCl) and the salt used is lithium chloride (LiCl), calcium chloride (CaCl)₂) Or mixtures thereof, X^-Is Cl^-. Thus, in one variation, [ Cl ] in the reaction mixture^-]Is greater than 5M, greater than 6M, greater than 7M, greater than 8M, greater than 9M, or greater than 10M; or between 5M and 20M, between 5M and 15M, between 5.5M and 10M, between 7M and 10M, or between 7.5M and 9M; or about 10M, about 11M, about 12M, about 13M, about 14M, or about 15M.

In another example, when the acid used is hydrobromic acid (HBr) and the salt used is lithium bromide (LiBr), calcium bromide (CaBr)₂) When, X^-Is Br^-. Thus, in one variation, [ Br ] in the reaction mixture^-]Is greater than 5M, greater than 6M, greater than 7M, greater than 8M, greater than 9M, or greater than 10M; or between 5M and 20M, between 5M and 15M, between 5.5M and 10M, between 7M and 10M, or between 7.5M and 9M; or about 10M, about 11M, about 12M, about 13M, about 14M, or about 15M.

It is to be understood that any description of an acid for use in the methods and compositions described herein can be combined with any description of a salt, as if each combination were listed individually. For example, in some embodiments, the acid is hydrochloric acid and the salt is lithium chloride, calcium chloride, or a mixture thereof. In one variation, the acid is hydrochloric acid and the salt is lithium chloride. In another variation, the acid is hydrochloric acid and the salt is calcium chloride. In yet another variation, the acid is hydrochloric acid and the salt is a mixture of lithium chloride and calcium chloride. In other variations, the acid is hydrobromic acid and the salts are lithium bromide and calcium bromide.

It is further understood that in the methods and compositions described hereinAcid concentration or [ H⁺]Any description of (2) may be related to the salt concentration or [ X ]^-]As if each combination were listed individually. In some embodiments, [ H ] in the reaction mixture⁺]Greater than 0M and less than 8M; and [ X ] in the reaction mixture^-]Is at least 5M. In other embodiments, [ H ] in the reaction mixture⁺]Greater than 0M and less than 8M; and [ X ] in the reaction mixture^-]Is at least 10M.

For example, in other embodiments where the acid is hydrochloric acid and the salt is lithium chloride, the hydrochloric acid concentration is between 0.5M and 9M, and the lithium chloride concentration is between 5M and 20M. In one variation, the hydrochloric acid concentration is between 0.5M and 6M, and the lithium chloride concentration is about 12M. In other embodiments where the acid is hydrochloric acid and the salt is lithium chloride, calcium chloride, or a mixture thereof, the reaction mixture has a [ H ] between 0.5M and 9M⁺]And between 5M and 20M [ Cl^-]. In one variation, the reaction mixture has a [ H ] between 0.5M and 6M⁺]And the reaction mixture has about 12M of [ Cl^-]。

The salts used herein may be obtained from any commercially available source or generated in situ by providing suitable reagents to the reaction mixture. For example, certain reagents may undergo ion exchange in the presence of hydrochloric acid to produce the chloride salts used in the processes described herein.

A salt described herein or [ X^-](e.g., [ Cl ]^-]) The concentration of (b) may refer to the starting concentration, the feed concentration, or the steady state concentration.

Solvent system

A solvent or combination or mixture of solvents may also optionally be added to the reaction mixture. The solvents used in the methods and compositions described herein can be obtained from any source, including any commercially available source. In some embodiments, the methods described herein are performed neat (i.e., without the use of any solvent). In other embodiments, the method comprises combining the starting materials, the aqueous acid, the salt, and the solvent system in a reaction vessel to form a reaction mixture.

Any suitable solvent system that can form a liquid/liquid two phase in the reaction mixture such that one phase is predominantly an organic phase and the separate phase is predominantly an aqueous phase may be used. The 5- (halomethyl) furfural is typically partitioned between the organic phase and the aqueous phase such that the concentration of 5- (halomethyl) furfural in the organic phase is at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, or at least 60% of the concentration of 5- (halomethyl) furfural in the aqueous phase.

The solvent systems used in the methods and compositions described herein may also be selected based on their dipole moments. One skilled in the art understands that dipole moment is a measure of the polarity of a solvent. The dipole moment of the liquid can be measured with a dipole meter. In some embodiments, the solvent system used herein has a dipole moment of less than 20.1D, less than or equal to 20D, less than or equal to 18D, or less than or equal to 15D.

The solvent systems used in the methods and compositions described herein may also be selected based on their boiling points. In some embodiments, the solvent system has a boiling point of at least 110 ℃, at least 150 ℃, or at least 240 ℃.

The solvent system used in the methods and compositions described herein can also be selected based on the partition coefficient of 5- (halomethyl) furfural in the reaction mixture. As used herein, "partition coefficient" refers to the ratio of the molar concentration of 5- (halomethyl) furfural in the organic phase to the molar concentration of 5- (halomethyl) furfural in the aqueous phase in the reaction mixture. In some embodiments, the partition coefficient of 5- (halomethyl) furfural in the reaction mixture is at least 0.2, at least 1, at least 10, or at least 100; or between 0.2 and 200, between 0.2 and 150, between 1 and 100.

The solvent system may comprise a solvent or a mixture of solvents. For example, in some embodiments, the solvent system comprises one or more alkyl phenyl solvents, one or more alkyl solvents (e.g., heavy alkyl solvents), one or more ester solvents, one or more aromatic solvents, one or more silicone oils, or any combination or mixture thereof. In other embodiments, the solvent system comprises one or more hydrocarbons, one or more halogenated hydrocarbons, one or more ethers, one or more halogenated ethers, one or more cyclic ethers, one or more amides, one or more silicone oils, or any combination or mixture thereof.

In some embodiments, the solvent system comprises para-xylene, 1,3, 5-trimethylbenzene, naphthalene, anthracene, toluene, dodecylbenzene, pentylbenzene, hexylbenzene, and other alkylbenzenes (e.g., such asA、B、AB、

F、R、Cepsa550-Q、Cepsa900-Q、

5、

7、Synnaph AB 3, Synnaph AB4), sulfolane, hexadecane, heptadecane, octadecane, eicosane, heneicosane, docosane, tricosane, tetracosane, or any combination or mixture thereof.

It is to be understood that the solvent may fall into one or more of the categories listed herein. For example, the solvent system can comprise para-xylene, which is an alkylbenzene solvent and an aromatic solvent.

Alkyl phenyl solvent

As used herein, "alkyl phenyl solvent" refers to a class of solvents having one or more alkyl chains and one or more phenyl or phenyl-containing ring systems. The alkylphenyl solvent may be referred to as an alkylbenzene or phenylalkane. Those skilled in the art understand that certain phenylalkanes may also be referred to interchangeably as alkylbenzenes. For example, (1-phenyl) pentane and pentylbenzene refer to the same solvent.

In some embodiments, the solvent system comprises an alkylbenzene. Examples may include (monoalkyl) benzene, (dialkyl) benzene, and (polyalkyl) benzene. In certain embodiments, the alkylbenzene has one alkyl chain attached to one benzene ring. The alkyl chain may have one or two points of attachment to the benzene ring. Examples of alkylbenzenes having one alkyl chain with one point attached to the benzene ring include pentylbenzene, hexylbenzene, and dodecylbenzene. In embodiments where the alkyl chain has two points of attachment to the benzene ring, the alkyl chain may form a cycloalkyl ring fused to the benzene. Examples of alkylbenzenes having one alkyl chain with two points attached to the benzene ring include tetralin. It is understood that the fused cycloalkyl ring may be further substituted with one or more alkyl rings.

In other embodiments, the alkylbenzene has two or more alkyl chains (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 alkyl chains) attached to one benzene ring.

In still other embodiments, the alkylbenzene is an alkyl substituted fused benzene ring system. Fused benzene ring systems may include benzene fused to one or more heterocyclic rings. In one embodiment, the fused benzene ring system may be two or more fused benzene rings, such as naphthalene. The fused benzene ring system may be optionally substituted with one or more alkyl chains.

In some embodiments, the solvent system comprises a phenylalkane. Examples may include (monophenyl) alkanes, (diphenyl) alkanes and (polyphenyl) alkanes. In certain embodiments, the phenylalkane has one phenyl ring attached to one alkyl chain. The phenyl ring may be attached to any carbon along the alkyl chain. For example, phenylalkyl having one alkyl chain may be (1-phenyl) pentane, (2-phenyl) pentane, (1-phenyl) hexane, (2-phenyl) hexane, (3-phenyl) hexane, (1-phenyl) dodecane and (2-phenyl) dodecane.

In other embodiments, the phenylalkane has two or more phenyl rings attached to one alkyl chain.

In one embodiment, the solvent system comprisesA、B、AB、F、R、Cepsa550-Q, or any combination or mixture thereof. In another embodiment, the solvent system comprises para-xylene, toluene, or any combination or mixture thereof.

In certain embodiments, the alkyl chain of the solvent may be 1 to 20 carbon atoms (e.g., C)_1-20Alkyl groups). In one embodiment, the alkyl chain may be 4 to 15 carbons (e.g., C)_4-15Alkyl), or 10 to 13 carbons (e.g., C)_10-13Alkyl groups). The alkyl chain may be straight or branched. Straight alkyl chains can include, for example, n-propyl, n-butyl, n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, n-nonyl, n-decyl, n-undecyl, and n-dodecyl. Branched alkyl chains may include, for example, isopropyl, sec-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, and neopentyl. In some embodiments where the solvent includes two or more alkyl chains, some alkyl chains may be straight, while others may be branched. In other embodiments where the solvent includes two or more alkyl chains, all of the alkyl chains may be straight or all of the alkyl chains may be branched.

For example, the solvent system comprises linear alkylbenzenes ("LAB"). The linear alkylbenzene is of formula C₆H₅C_nH_2n+1A class of solvents. For example, in one embodiment, the linear alkylbenzene is dodecylbenzene. Dodecylbenzene is commercially available and can be either "hard" or "soft". Hard dodecylbenzenes are a mixture of branched isomers. Soft dodecylbenzene is a mixture of linear isomers. In one embodiment, the solvent system comprises hard dodecylbenzene.

In some embodiments, the solvent system comprises any of the alkylphenyl solvents described above, wherein the phenyl ring is substituted with one or more halogen atoms. In certain embodiments, the solvent system comprises an alkyl (halobenzene). For example, the alkyl (halobenzene) may include an alkyl (chlorobenzene). In one embodiment, the halogen substituent of the phenyl ring may be, for example, chlorine, bromine, or any combination thereof.

In other embodiments, the solvent system comprises naphthalene, naphthenic oil, alkylated naphthalenes, biphenyl, polychlorinated biphenyl, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or halogenated hydrocarbons.

Aliphatic solvent

In one embodiment, the solvent system comprises an aliphatic solvent. The aliphatic solvent may be linear, branched or cyclic. The aliphatic solvent may also be saturated (e.g., an alkane) or unsaturated (e.g., an alkene or alkyne). In some embodiments, the solvent system comprises a C1-C20 aliphatic solvent, a C1-C10 aliphatic solvent, or a C1-C6 aliphatic solvent. In certain embodiments, the solvent system comprises a C4-C30 aliphatic solvent, a C6-C30 aliphatic solvent, a C6-C24 aliphatic solvent, or a C6-C20 aliphatic solvent. In certain embodiments, the solvent system comprises a C8+ alkyl solvent, or a C8-C50 alkyl solvent, a C8-C40 alkyl solvent, a C8-C30 alkyl solvent, a C8-C20 alkyl solvent, or a C8-C16 alkyl solvent. Suitable aliphatic solvents may include, for example, butane, pentane, cyclopentane, hexane, cyclohexane, heptane, cycloheptane, octane, cyclooctane, nonane, decane, undecane, dodecane, hexadecane, or any combination or mixture thereof. In certain embodiments, the aliphatic solvent is linear.

The aliphatic solvent may be derived from a petroleum refining aliphatic fraction, including any isomer of the aliphatic solvent, or any mixture thereof. For example, the alkane solvent may be obtained from a petroleum refinery alkane fraction, including any isomer of the alkane solvent, or any mixture thereof. In certain embodiments, the solvent system comprises a petroleum refinery alkane fraction.

Aromatic solvent

In another embodiment, the solvent system comprises an aromatic solvent. In some embodiments, the solvent system comprises a C6-C20 aromatic solvent, a C6-C12 aromatic solvent, or a C13-C20 aromatic solvent. The aromatic solvent may be optionally substituted. Suitable aromatic solvents may include, for example, p-xylene, 1,3, 5-trimethylbenzene, naphthalene, anthracene, toluene, anisole, nitrobenzene, bromobenzene, chlorobenzene (including, for example, dichlorobenzene), dimethylfuran (including, for example, 2, 5-dimethylfuran), and methylpyrrole (including, for example, N-methylpyrrole).

Ether solvents

In other embodiments, the solvent system comprises an ether solvent, which refers to a solvent having at least one ether group. For example, the solvent system comprises a C2-C20 ether, or a C2-C10 ether. The ether solvent may be acyclic or cyclic. For example, the ether solvent may be an alkyl ether (e.g., diethyl ether, ethylene glycol dimethyl ether (glyme), diethylene glycol dimethyl ether (diglyme), or triethylene glycol dimethyl ether (triglyme)). In another example, the ether solvent can be cyclic, such as a dioxane (e.g., 1, 4-dioxane), dioxin, tetrahydrofuran, or a cycloalkyl alkyl ether (e.g., cyclopentylmethyl ether).

The solvent system may comprise an acetal such as dioxolane (e.g., 1, 3-dioxolane).

The solvent system may also include a polyether having two or more oxygen atoms. In some embodiments, the ether solvent has the formula:

wherein R is_aAnd R_bEach independently is an aliphatic moiety, and n and m are integers equal to or greater than 1. In some embodiments, R_aAnd R_bEach independently is an alkyl group. In certain embodiments, R_aAnd R_bEach independently is a C1-C10 alkyl group or a C1-C6 alkyl group. R_aAnd R_bMay be the same or different. In other embodiments, n and m are each independently 1 to 10 or 1 to 6, where n and m may be the same or different.

The above formula includes propylene glycol dimethyl ether (proglyme), such as dipropylene glycol dimethyl ether, or glyme, such as ethylene oxide-based ethylene glycol diether. In one embodiment, the solvent system comprises glyme, diglyme, triglyme, or tetraglyme.

It is also understood that the solvent having an ether group may also have one or more other functional groups. It is to be understood, however, that the solvent may have an ether functionality in combination with one or more additional functionalities, such as an alcohol. For example, the solvent system comprises an alkylene glycol (e.g., ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol), a phenyl ether (e.g., diphenyl ether, polyphenyl ether), or an alkyl phenyl ether (e.g., alkyl diphenyl ether).

In certain embodiments, the solvent system comprises a polyphenyl ether that includes at least one phenoxy or at least one thiophenoxy moiety as repeating groups in the ether linkage. For example, in one embodiment, the solvent system comprises Santovac.

Ester solvents

In still other embodiments, the solvent system comprises an ester solvent, which refers to a solvent having at least one ester group. For example, the solvent system comprises a C2-C20 ester, or a C2-C10 ester. The ester solvent may be acyclic (linear or branched) or cyclic. For example, acyclic ester solvents can include alkyl acetates (e.g., methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, propyl acetate, butyl acetate), triacetin, and dibutyl phthalate. Examples of cyclic esters are, for example, propylene carbonate. It is to be understood, however, that the solvent having an ester group may also have one or more other functional groups. The ester solvent may also include an alkyl lactate (e.g., methyl lactate, ethyl lactate, propyl lactate, butyl lactate) having both ester and hydroxyl groups.

Halogenated solvents

In still other embodiments, the solvent system comprises a halogenated solvent. For example, the solvent may be a chlorinated solvent. Suitable chlorinated solvents may include, for example, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, methylene chloride, bromobenzene and dichlorobenzene.

Other solvents

In some variations, the solvent comprises water.

Solvent combinations or mixtures

Combinations or mixtures of solvents may also be used in the methods and compositions described herein. In some embodiments, the ether solvent may be combined with one or more of the other types of solvents listed above.

Amount of solvent used

The solvent used in the methods and compositions described herein may vary depending on the type and amount of starting material used. For example, in some embodiments, the mass/volume ratio of starting material to solvent system is between 1g and 30g starting material per 100mL solvent system.

It is further understood that any description of the solvents used in the methods and compositions described herein can be combined with any description of the acids and salts as if each combination were listed individually. For example, in some embodiments, the acid is hydrochloric acid, the salt is lithium chloride or calcium chloride or a combination thereof, and the solvent is an alkyl phenyl solvent. In certain variations, the acid is hydrochloric acid, the salt is lithium chloride, and the reaction mixture has a [ H ] between 0.5M and 9M⁺]And between 5M and 20M [ Cl^-]And the solvent is p-xylene.

Reaction conditions

As used herein, "reaction temperature" and "reaction pressure" refer to the temperature and pressure, respectively, at which the reaction occurs such that at least a portion of the six-carbon sugars in the feedstock are converted to 5- (halomethyl) furfural.

In some embodiments of the methods described herein, the reaction temperature is at least 15 ℃, at least 25 ℃, at least 30 ℃, at least 40 ℃, at least 50 ℃, at least 60 ℃, at least 70 ℃, at least 80 ℃, at least 90 ℃, at least 100 ℃, at least 110 ℃, at least 115 ℃, at least 120 ℃, at least 125 ℃, at least 130 ℃, at least 135 ℃, at least 140 ℃, at least 145 ℃, at least 150 ℃, at least 175 ℃, at least 200 ℃, at least 250 ℃, or at least 300 ℃. In other embodiments, the reaction temperature is between 110 ℃ and 300 ℃, between 110 ℃ and 250 ℃, between 150 ℃ and 300 ℃, or between 110 ℃ and 250 ℃.

The reaction temperature selected may vary depending on a number of factors including, for example, the type of starting material used and the concentration of acid used. In certain embodiments, when the starting material is or includes a ketose, the reaction may be carried out at a lower temperature than when the starting material is or includes an aldose. For example, in one variation, when the starting material comprises fructose, the reaction may be carried out at a temperature of at least 15 ℃. In another variation, when the starting material comprises glucose, the reaction is carried out at a temperature of at least 115 ℃ and the reaction is at a lower [ H ] level⁺]Below, for example, below 1M. Under such conditions (e.g., lower [ H ]⁺]) Unexpectedly, it was observed that 5- (halomethyl) furfural was produced with improved selectivity.

In some embodiments of the methods described herein, the reaction pressure is between 0.1atm and 10 atm. In other embodiments, the reaction pressure is atmospheric pressure.

It is understood that temperature may be expressed in degrees Celsius (. degree. C.) or Kelvin (K). One skilled in the art would be able to convert the temperatures described herein from one unit to another. Pressure may also be expressed as gauge pressure (barg), which refers to pressure in bar above ambient or atmospheric pressure. Pressure may also be expressed as bar, atmospheric pressure (atm), pascal (Pa), or pound-force per square inch (psi). One skilled in the art would be able to convert the pressures described herein from one unit to another.

The reaction temperature and reaction pressure of the processes described herein can also be expressed as a correlation. For example, in one variation, at least a portion of the feedstock is converted to 5- (chloromethyl) furfural at a reaction temperature T, expressed in kelvin, and a reaction pressure P, expressed in psi, where 10< Ln [ P/(1psi) ] +2702/(T/(1K)) < 13. In another variation, at least a portion of the feedstock is converted to 5- (chloromethyl) furfural at the reaction temperature and reaction pressure in region a of fig. 3.

The residence time will also vary with the reaction conditions and the desired yield. The residence time refers to the average amount of time that 5- (halomethyl) furfural is produced from the feedstock in the reaction mixture. The methods described herein can produce 5- (halomethyl) furfural with a residence time of less than 360 minutes, less than 240 minutes, less than 120 minutes, less than 60 minutes, less than 30 minutes, less than 20 minutes, less than 10 minutes, less than 5 minutes, or less than 2 minutes. In one variation, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% of the feedstock is converted to 5- (chloromethyl) furfural in less than 12 hours. In another variation, at least 50% of the feedstock is converted to 5- (chloromethyl) furfural in less than 12 hours, less than 11 hours, less than 10 hours, less than 9 hours, less than 8 hours, less than 7 hours, less than 6 hours, less than 5 hours, less than 4 hours, less than 3 hours, less than 2 hours, less than 60 minutes, less than 45 minutes, less than 30 minutes, less than 20 minutes, or less than 10 minutes.

In certain embodiments, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% of the feedstock is converted to 5- (halomethyl) furfural at a reaction temperature of at least 140 ℃ in 20 minutes or less. In certain embodiments, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99% of the feedstock is converted to 5- (halomethyl) furfural at a reaction temperature of at least 170 ℃ in 10 minutes or less.

Isolation of 5- (halomethyl) furfural

Converting at least a portion of the starting materials in the reaction mixture produces a product mixture having one or more aqueous phases and one or more organic phases. The aqueous phase and the organic phase each independently have at least a portion of 5- (halomethyl) furfural.

At the end of the reaction, at least a portion of the produced 5- (halomethyl) furfural is soluble in the organic phase of the biphasic reaction mixture. At the reaction temperature, 5- (halomethyl) furfural and organic solvent (if used) form an organic phase. The organic phase is separated from the aqueous phase to separate the product-containing phase, and then the organic phase is cooled to a temperature at which at least a portion of the 5- (halomethyl) furfural forms multiple phases with the organic solvent. The 5- (halomethyl) furfural can then be separated from the organic phase. Thus, in some embodiments, the methods described herein further comprise isolating 5- (halomethyl) furfural from the reaction mixture.

The methods described herein can further comprise purifying the isolated 5- (halomethyl) furfural. Any suitable method known in the art may be used to purify the isolated 5- (halomethyl) furfural, including, for example, column chromatography or recrystallization.

Reactor and vessel

The processes described herein may be carried out batch wise or continuously. The production of 5- (halomethyl) furfural from a feedstock can be carried out in any suitable reactor, including open or closed reactors, which can accommodate the chemical reactions described herein. Suitable reactors may include, for example, a fed-batch stirred reactor, a continuous flow stirred reactor, a continuous plug flow column reactor, an attrition reactor (attrition reactor), a fluidized bed reactor. The reactor may comprise a continuous kneader, such as a screw kneader.

In addition, the reactor may allow for the addition and removal of certain components from the reaction mixture. For example, the reactor may have one or more outlets to add additional solvent or acid, or to remove an organic or aqueous phase from the reaction mixture. In some embodiments, the reactor may have one or more outlets connecting the reactor to a disengaging vessel, where the organic phase may be transferred from the reactor to the disengaging vessel.

The reactors and vessels used herein may generally be constructed of materials capable of withstanding the physical and chemical forces applied during the processes described herein. In some embodiments, such materials used are capable of withstanding high concentrations of strong liquid acids. For example, the reactor and vessel may be constructed of glass, metal, or pyrex.

5- (halomethyl) furfural and downstream products

The 5- (halomethyl) furfural produced according to the methods described herein can be used for other chemical reactions or further converted to other furan derivatives for biofuels, diesel additives, or plastics.

In some embodiments, the 5- (halomethyl) furfural is 5- (chloromethyl) furfural (CMF). For example, CMF can be converted to dimethylfuran and ethoxymethylfurfural. In other embodiments, the 5- (halomethyl) furfural is 5- (bromomethyl) furfural (BMF).

In some aspects, there is provided a method of producing an alkylfuran comprising: converting 5- (halomethyl) furfural produced according to any of the methods described herein to alkylfurans. Any suitable method known in the art may be used for this reaction. In one variation, a process for producing 2, 5-dimethylfuran by the steps of: converting 5- (chloromethyl) furfural (CMF) produced according to any of the methods described herein to 2, 5-Dimethylfuran (DMF).

DMF may be further converted to para-xylene using any suitable method known in the art. For example, DMF can be converted to para-xylene by diels-alder cycloaddition of ethylene. See, for example, U.S. patent nos. 8,314,267; WO 2009/110402. Accordingly, in certain aspects, there is provided a process for producing para-xylene by: converting 5- (chloromethyl) furfural (CMF) produced according to any of the methods described herein to 2, 5-Dimethylfuran (DMF); and combining DMF with ethylene and optionally a solvent in the presence of any suitable catalyst to produce para-xylene. In certain variations, any suitable catalyst and optional solvent described in WO2013/040514, US2013/0245316 and WO2014/043468 may be used. For example, in one variation, a process for producing para-xylene is provided by: converting 5- (chloromethyl) furfural (CMF) produced according to any of the methods described herein to 2, 5-Dimethylfuran (DMF); and combining DMF with ethylene and optionally a solvent in the presence of a catalyst to produce para-xylene.

Para-xylene can be further oxidized to produce terephthalic acid. Any suitable method may be employed to produce terephthalic acid from para-xylene. Thus, in certain aspects, there is provided a process for producing terephthalic acid by: converting 5- (chloromethyl) furfural (CMF) produced according to any of the methods described herein to 2, 5-Dimethylfuran (DMF); combining DMF with ethylene and optionally a solvent in the presence of any suitable catalyst to produce para-xylene; and oxidizing para-xylene to produce terephthalic acid.

Terephthalic acid is a precursor to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which can be used to make polyester fabrics. Any suitable method may be employed to produce PET from terephthalic acid. Accordingly, in certain aspects, a process for producing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is provided by: converting 5- (chloromethyl) furfural (CMF) produced according to any of the methods described herein to 2, 5-Dimethylfuran (DMF); combining DMF with ethylene and optionally a solvent in the presence of any suitable catalyst to produce para-xylene; oxidizing para-xylene to produce terephthalic acid; and producing PET from terephthalic acid. For example, in some variations, PET may be produced by polymerizing terephthalic acid with ethylene glycol to produce polyethylene terephthalate.

Further, one or more additional products may also be produced according to the methods described herein. For example, humins, levulinic acid, formic acid, furfural, gamma valerolactone, or fulvic acid, or any combination or mixture thereof, may be produced. The methods described herein can reduce or minimize the amount of such additional products present in the reaction mixture. For example, in some embodiments, the reaction mixture has less than 30%, less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10%, or less than 5% of one or more additional products described above.

Yield, conversion rate and selectivity

The processes described herein produce 5- (halomethyl) furfural in commercially viable yields. Product yield takes into account the conversion of starting material to product and the selectivity of the product relative to other by-products that may be formed.

The differences between yield, conversion and selectivity are explained in the examples provided below. For example, in terms of conversion of glucose to CMF, the reaction can be summarized as follows, where "a" represents the molar amount of glucose; "B" represents the molar amount of CMF produced; and "a" and "b" are coefficients of stoichiometry.

aA→bB。

The conversion of a is the percentage of reactant a consumed during the reaction shown above, expressed by the following equation:

wherein A is_oIs the initial moles of reactant a; a. the_fIs the final mole of reactant a.

Selectivity is the stoichiometric relative amount of product B produced from the converted amount of reactant a, expressed as a percentage by the following equation:

wherein A is_oIs the starting molar amount of reactant a; a. the_fIs the final mole of reactant a; and B_fIs the moles of product B. In some embodiments, "a/b" is 1, and the equation can be simplified to:

it will be appreciated, however, that selectivity may be based on the total number of C6 monosaccharides or monomeric units having six carbon atoms, depending on the type of feedstock used.

The yield of product B is the percentage of reactant a converted to product B and is expressed by the following equation:

yield (%). conversion (%). times selectivity (%)

In certain embodiments, the processes described herein have a yield of 5- (halomethyl) furfural of at least 10 wt.%, at least 20 wt.%, at least 30 wt.%, at least 40 wt.%, at least 50 wt.%, at least 60 wt.%, at least 70 wt.%, at least 75 wt.%, at least 80 wt.%, at least 85 wt.%, at least 90 wt.%, at least 95 wt.%, or at least 99 wt.%. In other embodiments, the yield is between 10 wt% to 100 wt%, between 10 wt% to 90 wt%, between 20 wt% to 80 wt%, between 30 wt% to 80 wt%, between 40 wt% to 80 wt%, between 50 wt% to 80 wt%, or between 60 wt% to 80 wt%.

In certain embodiments, the methods described herein have a 5- (halomethyl) furfural selectivity of at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 99%. In other embodiments, the selectivity is between 40% to 99%, between 40% to 95%, between 40% to 90%, between 40% to 80%, between 50% to 99%, between 50% to 95%, between 50% to 90%, between 50% to 80%, between 60% to 99%, between 60% to 95%, between 60% to 90%, between 60% to 80%, between 70% to 99%, between 70% to 95%, between 70% to 90%, or between 70% to 80%.

Composition comprising a metal oxide and a metal oxide

Also provided herein are compositions comprising the starting materials, acids, and salts described herein. Thus, a composition is provided comprising a starting material, an acid, and a salt, wherein the acid is HX, wherein X is halogen; and the composition has a [ H ] of less than 12M⁺]. In certain embodiments, the acid is an aqueous acid. In certain aspects, there is providedA composition comprising: a feedstock, wherein the feedstock comprises a C6 sugar; hydrochloric acid; lithium chloride or calcium chloride or a combination thereof; wherein the composition has [ H ] between 0.5M and 9M⁺]And between 5M and 20M [ Cl^-]. In other aspects, compositions are provided comprising: a feedstock, wherein the feedstock comprises a C6 sugar; hydrobromic acid; lithium bromide or calcium bromide or a combination thereof; wherein the composition has [ H ] between 0.5M and 9M⁺]And between 5M and 20M [ Cl^-]。

It is understood that any description of the starting materials, acids, and salts described herein for the process can be applied to the composition as if each combination were individually listed.

For example, in some embodiments, the composition has a ph of between 1M and 6M; between 1M and 5M; or between 2M and 4M [ H ]⁺]. In some embodiments of producing 5- (chloromethyl) furfural, the composition has about 12M of [ Cl^-]. In some embodiments for producing 5- (bromomethyl) furfural, the composition has a [ Br of about 12M^-]。

The composition may further comprise a solvent system. The solvent system may comprise, for example, one or more alkylphenyl solvents, one or more heavy alkane solvents, one or more ester solvents, one or more aromatic solvents, one or more silicone oils, or any combination or mixture thereof, as described above. In certain embodiments of the composition, the solvent system comprises one or more linear alkylbenzenes as described herein. In one embodiment of the composition, the solvent system comprises toluene, other alkylbenzenes (e.g.,A、

B、

AB、F、R、Cepsa550-Q、Cepsa

900-Q、

5、7、synnaph AB 3, Synnaph AB4), sulfolane, hexadecane, heptadecane, octadecane, eicosane, heneicosane, docosane, tricosane, tetracosane, or any combination or mixture thereof.

In some embodiments of the composition, the feedstock is selected from corn stover, corn kernels, corn cobs, rice hulls, peanut hulls, distillers grains, paper sludge, cardboard, Old Corrugated Containers (OCC), Old Newspapers (ONP), mixed paper, wheat straw, paper mill effluent, newsprint, municipal solid waste, wood chips, sawdust pellets, forest thinning products, woodland cuttings, miscanthus, switchgrass, sorghum, bagasse, whole sugar cane, empty palm fruit clusters, palm leaves, beet pulp, beet process raffinate, manure, wastewater biosolids, green waste, agricultural residues, and food or feed processing residues, or any combination thereof.

The composition may further comprise one or more additional compounds. For example, the composition may further comprise humins, levulinic acid, formic acid, furfural, gamma valerolactone, or fulvic acid, or any combination or mixture thereof. In certain embodiments, the composition has less than 30%, less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10%, or less than 5% of one or more of the additional compounds described above.

It should be understood that references herein to "about" a value or parameter includes (and describes) embodiments that are directed to that value or parameter itself. For example, a description referring to "about x" includes a description of "x" itself. In other examples, the term "about" when used in connection with other metrics or to modify a value, unit, constant, or range of values, refers to a variation of +/-5%.

It should also be understood that references herein to "between" two values or parameters includes (and describes) embodiments that include both values or parameters themselves. For example, a description referring to "between x and y" includes descriptions of "x" and "y" themselves.

Illustrative embodiments

The embodiments listed below are representative of some aspects of the invention.

1. A method of producing 5- (halomethyl) furfural, comprising:

a) combining in a reaction vessel a feedstock, an aqueous acid, and a salt to form a reaction mixture, wherein:

the aqueous acid is a halogen-containing acid; and

the reaction mixture has a [ H ] of less than 12M⁺]Concentration; and

b) converting at least a portion of the feedstock in the reaction mixture to produce 5- (halomethyl) furfural.

2. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the salt is of formula a^r+(X^-)_rWherein A is^r+Is a cation of charge r, and X^-Is an anion, and wherein the reaction mixture further has [ X ] between 2M and 25M^-]And (4) concentration.

3. The method of embodiment 2, wherein X is halogen.

4. The process of any of embodiments 1 to 3, further comprising isolating 5- (halomethyl) furfural from the reaction mixture.

5. The process of any of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein at least a portion of the feedstock is converted to 5- (halomethyl) furfural at a reaction temperature of at least 80 ℃.

6. The method of embodiment 5, wherein the reaction temperature is between 110 ℃ and 250 ℃.

7. The method of any of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein the reaction mixture has less than 10M of [ H [ ]⁺]And (4) concentration.

8. The method of embodiment 7, wherein the reaction mixture has between 0.25M and 10M [ H⁺]And (4) concentration.

9. The method of embodiment 8, wherein the reaction mixture has between 0.5M and 6M [ H⁺]And (4) concentration.

10. The process of any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the aqueous acid is hydrochloric acid or hydrobromic acid.

11. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the aqueous acid has a concentration of less than 10M.

12. The method of embodiment 11, wherein the aqueous acid has a concentration between 0.25M and 10N.

13. The method of any of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the salt comprises a monovalent or divalent cation.

14. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the salt is a lithium or calcium salt.

15. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the salt is LiCl.

16. The method of any of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the starting material, the aqueous acid, and the salt are further combined with a solvent system.

17. The method of embodiment 16, wherein the solvent system comprises one or more alkylphenyl solvents, one or more heavy alkane solvents, one or more ester solvents, one or more aromatic solvents, one or more silicone oils, or any combination or mixture thereof.

18. The method of embodiment 16, wherein the solvent system has a dipole moment of less than 20.1D.

19. The method of embodiment 16, wherein the solvent system comprises a hydrocarbon, a halogenated hydrocarbon, an ether, a halogenated ether, a cyclic ether, an amide, a silicone oil, or a combination or mixture thereof.

20. The method of embodiment 16, wherein the solvent system comprises one or more linear alkylbenzenes.

21. The method of embodiment 16, wherein the solvent system comprises toluene, dodecylbenzene, pentanePhenyl, hexyl benzene,

F、

A、

B、

AB、

R、Cepsa

500-Q、Cepsa550-Q、Cepsa900-Q、Synnaph AB 3, Synnaph AB4, sulfolane, hexadecane, heptadecane, octadecane, eicosane, heneicosane, docosane, tricosane, tetracosane,

-5 or any combination or mixture thereof.

22. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 21, wherein the solvent has a boiling point of at least 110 ℃.

23. The method of any of embodiments 1 to 22, wherein the feedstock is selected from corn stover, rice hulls, peanut hulls, distillers grains, paper sludge, cardboard, Old Corrugated Containers (OCC), Old Newspapers (ONP), mixed paper, wheat straw, paper mill effluent, newsprint, municipal solid waste, wood chips, forest thinning products, woodland remnants, miscanthus, switchgrass, sorghum, sugar cane bagasse, manure, wastewater biosolids, green waste, and food or feed processing residue, or any combination thereof.

24. The method of any of embodiments 1 to 23, wherein the feedstock comprises glucose, fructose, sucrose, starch, inulin, cellulose, hemicellulose, cellulose oligomers, cellobiose, or any combination thereof.

25. The process of any of embodiments 1 to 24, wherein converting at least a portion of the feedstock in the reaction mixture produces a product mixture, wherein the product mixture comprises an aqueous phase and an organic phase, wherein the aqueous phase and the organic phase each independently comprise 5- (halomethyl) furfural.

26. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 25, wherein the mass/volume ratio of starting material to solvent is between 1g and 30g starting material per 100mL solvent system.

27. The process of any of embodiments 1 to 26, wherein at least 70% of the feedstock is converted to 5- (halomethyl) furfural at a reaction temperature of greater than 140 ℃ in 20 minutes or less.

28. The process of any of embodiments 1 to 26, wherein at least 50% of the feedstock is converted to 5- (halomethyl) furfural at a reaction temperature of greater than 170 ℃ in 10 minutes or less.

29. The process of any of embodiments 1 to 28, wherein the reaction mixture further comprises one or more additional products selected from the group consisting of humins, levulinic acid, formic acid, furfural, gamma valerolactone, and fulvic acid.

30. The method of embodiment 29, wherein the reaction mixture has less than 30% of one or more additional products.

31. The method of any one of embodiments 1 to 30, wherein the 5- (halomethyl) furfural is 5- (chloromethyl) furfural or 5- (bromomethyl) furfural.

32. The process of embodiment 1, wherein the starting material is an aldose sugar and the reaction mixture has a [ H ] of less than 12M⁺]And (4) concentration.

33. The method of embodiment 32, wherein the starting material is glucose, or a dimer or polymer thereof, or an isomer thereof.

34. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the starting material is a ketose, and the reaction mixture has less than 6M of [ H⁺]And (4) concentration.

35. The process of embodiment 34, wherein the starting material is fructose, or a dimer or polymer thereof, or an isomer thereof.

36. A composition, comprising:

the raw materials are mixed and stirred to prepare the raw material,

an aqueous acid, wherein the aqueous acid is a halogen-containing acid, and

(ii) a salt, wherein the salt,

wherein the composition has a [ H ] of less than 12M⁺]And (4) concentration.

37. The composition of embodiment 36, wherein the salt is of formula a^r+(X^-)_rWherein A is^r+Is a cation of charge r, and X^-Is anionic, and wherein the composition further has [ X ] between 2M and 25M^-]And (4) concentration.

38. The composition of embodiment 37, wherein X is halogen.

39. The composition of any one of embodiments 36 to 38, wherein the composition has a [ H ] of less than 10M⁺]And (4) concentration.

40. The composition of embodiment 39, wherein the composition has a [ H ] between 0.25M to 10M⁺]And (4) concentration.

41. The composition of embodiment 40, wherein the composition has a [ H ] between 0.5M and 6M⁺]And (4) concentration.

42. The composition of any one of embodiments 36 to 41, wherein the aqueous acid is hydrochloric acid or hydrobromic acid.

43. The composition of any one of embodiments 36 to 42, wherein the aqueous acid has a concentration of less than 10M.

44. The composition of embodiment 43, wherein the aqueous acid has a concentration between 0.25M and 10M.

45. The composition of any one of embodiments 36 to 44, wherein the salt comprises a monovalent or divalent cation.

46. The composition of any one of embodiments 36 to 44, wherein the salt is a lithium or calcium salt.

47. The method of any one of embodiments 36 to 44, wherein the salt is LiCl.

48. The composition of any one of embodiments 36 to 47, wherein the composition further comprises a solvent system.

49. The composition of embodiment 48, wherein the solvent system comprises one or more alkylphenyl solvents, one or more heavy alkane solvents, one or more ester solvents, one or more aromatic solvents, one or more silicone oils, or any combination or mixture thereof.

50. The composition of embodiment 48, wherein the solvent system has a dipole moment of less than 20.1D.

51. The composition of embodiment 48, wherein the solvent system comprises a hydrocarbon, a halogenated hydrocarbon, an ether, a halogenated ether, a cyclic ether, an amide, a silicone oil, or a combination or mixture thereof.

52. The composition of embodiment 48, wherein the solvent system comprises one or more linear alkylbenzenes.

53. The composition of embodiment 48, wherein the solvent system comprises toluene, dodecylbenzene, pentylbenzene, hexylbenzene, toluene, xylene,

F、A、

B、

AB、R、Cepsa500-Q、Cepsa550-Q、Cepsa900-Q、synnaph AB 3, Synnaph AB4, sulfolane, hexadecane, heptadecane, octadecane, eicosane, heneicosane, docosane, tricosane, tetracosane,-5 or any combination or mixture thereof.

54. The composition of any of embodiments 48 to 53, wherein the solvent has a boiling point of at least 110 ℃.

55. The composition of any of embodiments 36 to 54, wherein the feedstock is selected from corn stover, rice hulls, peanut hulls, distillers grains, paper sludge, cardboard, Old Corrugated Containers (OCC), Old Newspapers (ONP), mixed paper, wheat straw, paper mill effluent, newsprint, municipal solid waste, wood chips, forest thinning products, woodland remnants, miscanthus, switchgrass, sorghum, sugar cane bagasse, manure, wastewater biosolids, green waste, and food or feed processing residue, or any combination thereof.

56. The composition of any of embodiments 36 to 55, wherein the feedstock comprises glucose, fructose, sucrose, starch, inulin, cellulose, hemicellulose, cellulose oligomers, cellobiose, or any combination thereof.

57. The composition of any one of embodiments 36 to 56, wherein the composition further comprises one or more additional products selected from the group consisting of humins, levulinic acid, formic acid, furfural, gamma valerolactone, and fulvic acid.

58. The composition of embodiment 57, wherein the composition has less than 30% of one or more additional products.

59. The composition of any one of embodiments 36 to 58, wherein the 5- (halomethyl) furfural is 5- (chloromethyl) furfural or 5- (bromomethyl) furfural.

60. The composition of embodiment 36, wherein the starting material is an aldose sugar and the reaction mixture has a [ H ] of less than 12M⁺]And (4) concentration.

61. The composition of embodiment 60, wherein the starting material is glucose, or a dimer or polymer thereof, or an isomer thereof.

62. The composition of embodiment 36, wherein the starting material is a ketose, and the reaction mixture has less than 6M of [ H⁺]And (4) concentration.

63. The method of embodiment 62, wherein the starting material is fructose, or a dimer or polymer thereof, or an isomer thereof.

64. A method of producing 5- (halomethyl) furfural, comprising:

a) combining starting materials, an acid, and a salt in a reaction vessel to form a reaction mixture, wherein:

the acid is HX, wherein X is halogen;

the starting material comprises one or more C6 monosaccharides, or the starting material is a disaccharide or polysaccharide comprising monomer units having six carbon atoms;

the salt being LiX or CaX₂Or a combination thereof; and

the reaction mixture has a [ H ] of less than 12M⁺](ii) a And

b) converting at least a portion of the feedstock in the reaction mixture to 5- (halomethyl) furfural.

65. The method of embodiment 64, wherein the reaction mixture has less than 8M of [ H⁺]。

66. The method of embodiment 64, wherein the reaction mixture has between 0.5M and 8M [ H⁺]。

67. The method of embodiment 64, wherein the reaction mixture has between 0.5M and 6M [ H⁺]。

68. The method of embodiment 64, wherein the reaction mixture has between 1M and 5M [ H⁺]。

69. The method of embodiment 64, wherein the reaction mixture has between 2M and 4M [ H⁺]。

70. The method of any one of embodiments 64 to 69, wherein the reaction mixture has at least 5M of [ X [^-]。

71. The method of any one of embodiments 64 to 69, wherein the reaction mixture has at least 7M of [ X [^-]。

72. The method of any one of embodiments 64 to 69, wherein the reaction mixture has about 8M of [ X [^-]。

73. The method of any one of embodiments 64 to 69, wherein the reaction mixture has about 12M [ X ]^-]。

74. The method of any one of embodiments 64 to 73 wherein X is chloro or bromo.

75. The method of any one of embodiments 64 to 74, wherein 5- (halomethyl) furfural is produced with a selectivity of at least 30%, wherein the selectivity is based on the total number of C6 monosaccharides or monomer units having six carbon atoms.

76. The method of embodiment 75, wherein the selectivity is at least 40%.

77. The method of any one of embodiments 64 to 76, wherein at least 50% of the C6 monosaccharides or monomer units having six carbon atoms are converted to 5- (halomethyl) furfural in less than 12 hours.

78. The method of any one of embodiments 64 to 77, wherein the starting materials, acid, and salt are further combined with a solvent system.

79. The method of embodiment 78, wherein the solvent system comprises one or more alkylphenyl solvents, one or more heavy alkane solvents, one or more ester solvents, one or more aromatic solvents, one or more silicone oils, or any combination or mixture thereof.

80. The method of embodiment 79, wherein the solvent system comprises one or more linear alkylbenzenes.

81. The method of embodiment 80, wherein the solvent system comprises para-xylene, 1,3, 5-trimethylbenzene, naphthalene, anthracene, toluene, dodecylbenzene, pentylbenzene, hexylbenzene, sulfolane, hexadecane, heptadecane, octadecane, eicosane, heneicosane, docosane, tricosane, tetracosane, or any combination or mixture thereof.

82. The method of embodiment 78, wherein the solvent system comprises one or more phenyl ether solvents.

83. The method of any of embodiments 64 to 82, wherein the feedstock is selected from corn stover, corn cobs, corn kernels, rice flour, whole sugar cane, beet pulp, beet process raffinate, empty palm fruit bunch, palm leaves, sawdust, wood particles, rice hulls, peanut hulls, distillers grains, paper sludge, cardboard, Old Corrugated Containers (OCC), Old Newspaper (ONP), mixed paper, wheat straw, paper mill effluent, newsprint, municipal solid waste, wood chips, forest thinnings, woodland cuttings, miscanthus, switchgrass, sorghum, bagasse, manure, wastewater biosolids, green waste, and food or feed processing residues, or any combination thereof.

84. The method of any one of embodiments 64 to 83, wherein the acid is generated in situ.

85. The method of any one of embodiments 64 to 84, wherein the salt is generated in situ.

86. A composition, comprising:

a feedstock, wherein the feedstock comprises one or more C6 monosaccharides, or the feedstock is a disaccharide or polysaccharide comprising monomer units having six carbon atoms;

an acid of formula HX, wherein X is halogen; and

of the formula LiX or CaX₂A salt thereof;

wherein the composition has a [ H ] of less than 12M⁺]。

87. The composition of embodiment 86, wherein the composition has a [ H ] of less than 8M⁺]。

88. The composition of embodiment 86, wherein the composition has between 0.5M and 8M [ H⁺]。

89. The composition of embodiment 86, wherein the composition has a [ H ] between 0.5M and 6M⁺]。

90. The composition of embodiment 86, wherein the composition has between 1M and 5M [ H⁺]。

91. The composition of embodiment 86, wherein the composition has between 2M and 4M [ H⁺]。

92. The composition of any one of embodiments 86 to 91, wherein the composition has a [ X ] of at least 5M^-]。

93. The composition of any one of embodiments 86 to 91, wherein the composition has a [ X ] of at least 7M^-]。

94. The composition of any one of embodiments 86 to 91, wherein the composition has an [ X ] of about 8M^-]。

95. The composition of any one of embodiments 86 to 91, wherein the composition has an [ X ] of about 12M^-]。

96. The composition of any one of embodiments 86 to 95, wherein X is chloro or bromo.

97. The composition of any one of embodiments 86 to 96, further comprising a solvent system.

98. The composition of embodiment 97, wherein the solvent system comprises one or more alkylphenyl solvents, one or more heavy alkane solvents, one or more ester solvents, one or more aromatic solvents, one or more silicone oils, or any combination or mixture thereof.

99. The composition of embodiment 97, wherein the solvent system comprises one or more linear alkylbenzenes.

100. The composition of embodiment 97, wherein the solvent system comprises para-xylene, 1,3, 5-trimethylbenzene, naphthalene, anthracene, toluene, dodecylbenzene, pentylbenzene, hexylbenzene, sulfolane, hexadecane, heptadecane, octadecane, eicosane, heneicosane, docosane, tricosane, tetracosane, or any combination or mixture thereof.

101. The composition of embodiment 97, wherein the solvent system comprises one or more phenyl ether solvents.

102. The composition of any of embodiments 86 to 101, wherein the feedstock is selected from corn stover, corn cobs, corn kernels, rice flour, whole sugar cane, beet pulp, beet process raffinate, empty palm fruit bunch, palm leaves, sawdust, wood particles, rice hulls, peanut hulls, distillers grains, paper sludge, cardboard, Old Corrugated Containers (OCC), Old Newspaper (ONP), mixed paper, wheat straw, paper mill effluent, newsprint, municipal solid waste, wood chips, forest thinnings, woodland debris, miscanthus, switchgrass, sorghum, bagasse, manure, wastewater biosolids, green waste, and food or feed processing residue, or any combination thereof.

103. A method of producing 5- (halomethyl) furfural, comprising:

a) combining starting materials, an acid, and a salt in a reaction vessel to form a reaction mixture, wherein:

the acid is HX, wherein X is halogen;

the salt is A^r+(X^-)_rWherein:

A^r+is a group I or group II cation, and

X^-is a halide anion; and

the reaction mixture has [ H ] of more than 0M and less than 12M⁺](ii) a And

b) converting at least a portion of the feedstock in the reaction mixture to 5- (halomethyl) furfural.

104. The method of embodiment 103, wherein the reaction mixture has greater than 0M and less than or equal to 8M of [ H⁺]。

105. The method of embodiment 103, wherein the reaction mixture has greater than 0M and less than or equal to 5M of [ H⁺]。

106. The method of embodiment 103, wherein the reaction mixture has between 0.5M and 8M of [ H⁺]。

107. The method of embodiment 103, wherein the reaction mixture has greater than 0M and less than or equal to 6M of [ H⁺]。

108. The method of embodiment 103, wherein the reaction mixture has between 0.5M and 6M of [ H⁺]。

109. The method of embodiment 103, wherein the reaction mixture has between 1M and 5M of [ H⁺]。

110. The method of embodiment 103, wherein the reaction mixture has between 2M and 4M of [ H⁺]。

111. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 110, wherein the reaction mixture has at least 5M of [ X^-]。

112. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 110, wherein the reaction mixture has at least 6M of [ X^-]。

113. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 110, wherein the reaction mixture has an [ X ] between 5M and 12M^-]。

114. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 110, wherein the reaction mixture has an [ X ] between 6M and 12M^-]。

115. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 110, wherein the reaction mixture has at least 7M of [ X^-]。

116. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 110, wherein the reaction mixture has about 8M of [ X [^-]。

117. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 110, wherein the reaction mixture has about 12M of [ X [^-]。

118. The method of embodiment 103, wherein the reaction mixture has:

greater than 0M and less than or equal to 8M of [ H⁺](ii) a And

at least 5M of [ X^-]。

119. The method of embodiment 103, wherein the reaction mixture has:

greater than 0M and less than or equal to 8M of [ H⁺](ii) a And

at least 10M of [ X^-]。

120. A method of producing 5- (halomethyl) furfural, comprising:

a) combining starting materials, an acid, and a salt in a reaction vessel to form a reaction mixture, wherein:

the acid is HX, wherein X is halogen;

the salt is A^r+(X^-)_rWherein:

A^r+is a group I or group II cation, and

X^-is a halide anion; and

the reaction mixture has [ H ] of more than 0M and less than or equal to 1M⁺](ii) a And

b) converting at least a portion of the feedstock in the reaction mixture to 5- (halomethyl) furfural at a temperature of at least 115 ℃.

121. The method of embodiment 120, wherein the acid is continuously added to the reaction vessel.

122. The method of embodiment 120, wherein the reaction mixture has a [ H ] of greater than 0M and less than 0.6M⁺]。

123. The method of any one of embodiments 120 to 122, wherein the temperature is at least 130 ℃.

124. A method of producing 5- (halomethyl) furfural, comprising:

a) combining starting materials, an acid, and a salt in a reaction vessel to form a reaction mixture, wherein:

the acid is HX, wherein X is halogen;

the salt is A^r+(X^-)_rWherein:

A^r+is a group I or group II cation, and

X^-is a halide anion; and

the reaction mixture has [ H ] of more than 0M and less than 12M⁺](ii) a And

starting material with [ H ]⁺]Present in the reaction mixture in a molar ratio of 1: 1; and

b) converting at least a portion of the feedstock in the reaction mixture to 5- (halomethyl) furfural.

125. A method of producing 5- (halomethyl) furfural, comprising:

a) combining starting materials, an acid, and a salt in a reaction vessel to form a reaction mixture, wherein:

the acid is HX, wherein X is halogen;

the salt is A^r+(X^-)_rWherein:

A^r+is a group I or group II cation, and

X^-is a halide anion; and

the reaction mixture has a [ H ] between the starting material concentration and 5M⁺](ii) a And

b) converting at least a portion of the feedstock in the reaction mixture to 5- (halomethyl) furfural at a temperature of at least 110 ℃.

126. The method of embodiment 125, wherein the temperature is at least 135 ℃.

127. The method of embodiment 125, wherein:

the reaction mixture has [ H ] between the starting material concentration and 2M⁺](ii) a And

the temperature is at least 135 ℃.

128. The method of embodiment 125, wherein the reaction mixture has between 0.1 times and 5M of the starting material concentration of [ H⁺]。

129. A method of producing 5- (halomethyl) furfural, comprising:

a) combining starting materials, an acid, and a salt in a reaction vessel to form a reaction mixture, wherein:

the acid is HX, wherein X is halogen;

the acid is added continuously; and

the salt is A^r+(X^-)_rWherein:

A^r+is a group I or group II cation, and

X^-is a halide anion; and

b) converting at least a portion of the feedstock in the reaction mixture to 5- (halomethyl) furfural at a temperature of at least 110 ℃.

130. The method of embodiment 129, wherein the acid is to maintain an average [ H⁺]Addition was continued at a rate greater than 0M.

131. The method of embodiment 129, wherein the acid is such that [ H⁺]Continuously at a rate greater than 0M and less than 12M.

132. The method of embodiment 129, wherein the acid is such that [ H⁺]Continuously adding at a rate of greater than 0M and less than or equal to 6M.

133. The method of embodiment 129, wherein the acid is such that [ H⁺]Continuously adding at a rate of greater than 0M and less than or equal to the concentration of the starting material.

134. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 133, wherein a^r+Is Li⁺、Na⁺、K⁺、Rb⁺、Cs⁺、Mg²⁺、Ca²⁺Or Sr²⁺。

135. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 134, wherein X^-Is Cl^-Or Br^-。

136. A method of producing 5- (halomethyl) furfural, comprising:

a) combining starting materials, an acid, and a salt in a reaction vessel to form a reaction mixture, wherein:

the acid is HX, wherein X is halogen;

the salt comprises a group I or group II cation; and

the reaction mixture has [ H ] of more than 0M and less than 12M⁺](ii) a And

b) converting at least a portion of the feedstock in the reaction mixture to 5- (halomethyl) furfural.

137. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 136, wherein the salt comprises Li⁺、Na⁺、K⁺、Rb⁺、Cs⁺、Mg²⁺、Ca^{2 +}Or Sr²⁺。

138. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 136, wherein the salt comprises Li⁺、Ca²⁺Or Mg²⁺。

139. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 138, wherein the salt is LiX, NaX, KX, RbX, CsX, MgX₂、CaX₂Or SrX₂。

140. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 139, wherein X is Cl or Br.

141. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 140, wherein the salt is LiCl, NaCl, KCl, RbCl, CsCl, MgCl₂、CaCl₂、SrCl₂、LiBr、NaBr、KBr、RbBr、CsBr、MgBr₂、CaBr₂Or SrBr₂。

142. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 141, wherein the starting materials, acids, and salts are further combined with additional salts, wherein the additional salts are silicates, carbonates, sulfates, sulfide salts, phosphates, perchlorates, or triflates.

143. The method of embodiment 142, wherein the additional salt is a triflate salt.

144. The method of embodiment 143, wherein the triflate salt is lithium triflate or sodium triflate.

145. A method of producing 5- (halomethyl) furfural, comprising:

subjecting the starting material to (i) H⁺、(ii)X^-And (iii) conversion to 5- (halomethyl) furfural in the presence of a group I or group II cation, and wherein [ H⁺]Greater than 0M and less than 12M.

146. The method of embodiment 145, wherein [ H⁺]Greater than 0M and less than or equal to 8M.

147. The method of embodiment 145, wherein [ H⁺]Greater than 0M and less than or equal to 5M.

148. The method of embodiment 145, wherein [ H⁺]Between 0.5M and 8M.

149. The method of embodiment 145, wherein [ H⁺]Greater than 0M and less than or equal to 6M.

150. The method of embodiment 145, wherein [ H⁺]Between 0.5M and 6M.

151. The method of embodiment 145, wherein [ H⁺]Between 1M and 5M.

152. The method of embodiment 145, wherein [ H⁺]Between 2M and 4M.

153. The method of any one of embodiments 145 to 152, wherein [ X [, ]^-]Is at least 5M.

154. The method of any one of embodiments 145 to 152, wherein [ X [, ]^-]Is at least 6M.

155. The method of any one of embodiments 145 to 152, wherein [ X [, ]^-]Between 5M and 12M.

156. The method of any one of embodiments 145 to 152, wherein [ X [, ]^-]Between 6M and 12M.

157. The method of any one of embodiments 145 to 152, wherein [ X [, ]^-]Is at least 7M.

158. The method of any one of embodiments 145 to 152, wherein [ X [, ]^-]Is about 8M.

159. The method of any one of embodiments 145 to 152, wherein [ X [, ]^-]Is about 12M.

160. The method of embodiment 145, wherein:

[H⁺]greater than 0M and less than or equal to 8M; and

[X^-]is at least 5M.

161. The method of embodiment 145, wherein:

[H⁺]greater than 0M and less than or equal to 8M; and

[X^-]is at least 10M.

162. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 161, wherein X is chloro or bromo.

163. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 162, wherein the cation is Li⁺、Na⁺、K⁺、Rb⁺、Cs⁺、Mg²⁺、Ca²⁺Or Sr²⁺。

164. The method of embodiment 163, wherein the cation is Li⁺、Mg²⁺Or Ca²⁺。

165. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 164, wherein 5- (halomethyl) furfural is produced with a selectivity of at least 30%, wherein the selectivity is based on the total number of C6 monosaccharides or monomer units having six carbon atoms.

166. The method of embodiment 165, wherein the selectivity is at least 40%.

167. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 166, wherein at least 50% of the C6 monosaccharides or monomer units with six carbon atoms are converted to 5- (halomethyl) furfural in less than 12 hours.

168. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 167, wherein the starting materials, acid, and salt are further combined with a solvent system.

169. The method of embodiment 168, wherein the solvent system comprises one or more alkylphenyl solvents, one or more heavy alkane solvents, one or more ester solvents, one or more aromatic solvents, one or more silicone oils, or any combination or mixture thereof.

170. The method of embodiment 169, wherein the solvent system comprises one or more linear alkylbenzenes.

171. The method of embodiment 169, wherein the solvent system comprises para-xylene, 1,3, 5-trimethylbenzene, naphthalene, anthracene, toluene, dodecylbenzene, pentylbenzene, hexylbenzene, sulfolane, hexadecane, heptadecane, octadecane, eicosane, heneicosane, docosane, tricosane, tetracosane, or any combination or mixture thereof.

172. The method of embodiment 169, wherein the solvent system comprises one or more phenyl ether solvents.

173. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 172, wherein the feedstock comprises one or more C6 monosaccharides, disaccharides comprising monomer units having six carbon atoms, or polysaccharides comprising monomer units having six carbon atoms.

174. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 172, wherein the feedstock is selected from corn stover, corn cobs, corn kernels, rice flour, whole sugar cane, beet pulp, beet process raffinate, empty palm fruit bunch, palm leaves, sawdust, wood particles, rice hulls, peanut hulls, distillers grains, paper sludge, cardboard, Old Corrugated Containers (OCC), Old Newspaper (ONP), mixed paper, wheat straw, paper mill effluent, newsprint, municipal solid waste, wood chips, forest thinnings, woodland cuttings, miscanthus, switchgrass, sorghum, bagasse, manure, wastewater biosolids, green waste, and food or feed processing residue, or any combination thereof.

175. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 172, wherein the feedstock comprises cellulose, glucose, fructose, or any combination thereof.

176. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 175, wherein the acid is generated in situ.

177. The method of any one of embodiments 103 to 176, wherein the salt is generated in situ.

178. A composition, comprising:

raw materials;

an acid of formula HX, wherein X is halogen; and

formula A^r+(X^-)_rSalt of (meth) acrylic acidWherein:

A^r+is a group I or group II cation, and

X^-is a halide anion; and is

Wherein the composition has [ H ] of greater than 0M and less than 12M⁺]。

179. The composition of embodiment 178, wherein the composition has a [ H ] of greater than 0M and less than or equal to 8M⁺]。

180. The composition of embodiment 178, wherein the composition has a [ H ] of greater than 0M and less than or equal to 5M⁺]。

181. The composition of embodiment 178, wherein the composition has a [ H ] between 0.5M and 8M⁺]。

182. The composition of embodiment 178, wherein the composition has a [ H ] of greater than 0M and less than or equal to 6M⁺]。

183. The composition of embodiment 178, wherein the composition has a [ H ] between 0.5M and 6M⁺]。

184. The composition of embodiment 178, wherein the composition has between 1M and 5M [ H⁺]。

185. The composition of embodiment 178, wherein the composition has an [ H ] between 2M and 4M⁺]。

186. The composition of any one of embodiments 178 to 185, wherein the composition has a [ X ] of at least 5M^-]。

187. The composition of any one of embodiments 178 to 185, wherein the composition has a [ X ] of at least 6M^-]。

188. The composition of any one of embodiments 178 to 185, wherein the composition has an [ X ] between 5M and 12M^-]。

189. The composition of any one of embodiments 178 to 185, wherein the composition has an [ X ] between 6M and 12M^-]。

190. The composition of any one of embodiments 178 to 185, wherein the composition has a [ X ] of at least 7M^-]。

191. The composition of any one of embodiments 178 to 185, wherein the composition has an [ X ] of about 8M^-]。

192. The composition of any of embodiments 178 to 185, wherein the composition has an [ X ] of about 12M^-]。

193. The composition of embodiment 178, wherein the composition has:

greater than 0M and less than or equal to 8M of [ H⁺](ii) a And

at least 5M of [ X^-]。

194. The composition of embodiment 178, wherein the composition has:

greater than 0M and less than or equal to 8M of [ H⁺](ii) a And

at least 10M of [ X^-]。

195. The composition of any one of embodiments 178 to 194, wherein X is chloro or bromo.

196. The composition of any one of embodiments 178 to 194, wherein a^r+Is Li⁺、Na⁺、K⁺、Rb⁺、Cs⁺、Mg²⁺、Ca²⁺Or Sr²⁺。

197. The composition of any one of embodiments 178 to 194, wherein the salt comprises Li⁺、Na⁺、K⁺、Rb⁺、Cs⁺、Mg²⁺、Ca²⁺Or Sr²⁺。

198. The composition of any one of embodiments 178 to 194, wherein the salt comprises Li⁺、Ca²⁺Or Mg²⁺。

199. The composition of any one of embodiments 178 to 194, wherein the salt is LiX, NaX, KX, RbX, CsX, MgX₂、CaX₂Or SrX₂。

200. The composition of any one of embodiments 178 to 194, wherein the salt is LiCl, NaCl, KCl, RbCl, CsCl, MgCl₂、CaCl₂、SrCl₂、LiBr、NaBr、KBr、RbBr、CsBr、MgBr₂、CaBr₂Or SrBr₂。

201. The composition of any of embodiments 178 to 200, further comprising an additional salt, wherein the additional salt is a silicate, carbonate, sulfate, sulfide, phosphate, perchlorate, or triflate salt.

202. The composition of embodiment 201, wherein the additional salt is a triflate salt.

203. The composition of embodiment 202, wherein the triflate salt is lithium triflate or sodium triflate.

204. The composition of any one of embodiments 178 to 203, further comprising a solvent system.

205. The composition of embodiment 204, wherein the solvent system comprises one or more alkylphenyl solvents, one or more heavy alkane solvents, one or more ester solvents, one or more aromatic solvents, one or more silicone oils, or any combination or mixture thereof.

206. The composition of embodiment 204, wherein the solvent system comprises one or more linear alkylbenzenes.

207. The composition of embodiment 204, wherein the solvent system comprises para-xylene, 1,3, 5-trimethylbenzene, naphthalene, anthracene, toluene, dodecylbenzene, pentylbenzene, hexylbenzene, sulfolane, hexadecane, heptadecane, octadecane, eicosane, heneicosane, docosane, tricosane, tetracosane, or any combination or mixture thereof.

208. The composition of embodiment 204, wherein the solvent system comprises one or more phenyl ether solvents.

209. The composition of any of embodiments 178 to 208, wherein the starting material comprises one or more C6 monosaccharides, disaccharides comprising monomeric units having six carbon atoms, or polysaccharides comprising monomeric units having six carbon atoms.

210. The composition of any of embodiments 178 to 208, wherein the feedstock is selected from corn stover, corn cobs, corn kernels, rice flour, whole sugar cane, beet pulp, beet process raffinate, empty palm fruit bunch, palm leaves, sawdust, wood particles, rice hulls, peanut hulls, distillers grains, paper sludge, cardboard, Old Corrugated Containers (OCC), Old Newspaper (ONP), mixed paper, wheat straw, paper mill effluent, newsprint, municipal solid waste, wood chips, forest thinnings, woodland debris, miscanthus, switchgrass, sorghum, bagasse, manure, wastewater biosolids, green waste, and food or feed processing residue, or any combination thereof.

211. The composition of any of embodiments 178 to 208, wherein the feedstock comprises cellulose, glucose, fructose, or any combination thereof.

212. A method of producing 2, 5-dimethylfuran comprising:

producing 5- (halomethyl) furfural according to the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 35, 63 to 85, and 103 to 177; and

converting 5- (halomethyl) furfural to 2, 5-dimethylfuran.

213. A process for producing para-xylene comprising:

producing 5- (halomethyl) furfural according to the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 35, 63 to 85, and 103 to 177;

converting 5- (halomethyl) furfural to 2, 5-dimethylfuran; and

combining 2, 5-dimethylfuran with ethylene to produce para-xylene.

214. A process for producing terephthalic acid comprising:

producing 5- (halomethyl) furfural according to the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 35, 63 to 85, and 103 to 177;

converting 5- (halomethyl) furfural to 2, 5-dimethylfuran;

combining 2, 5-dimethylfuran with ethylene to produce para-xylene; and

p-xylene is oxidized to produce terephthalic acid.

215. A process for producing polyethylene terephthalate, comprising:

producing 5- (halomethyl) furfural according to the method of any one of embodiments 1 to 35, 63 to 85, and 103 to 177;

converting 5- (halomethyl) furfural to 2, 5-dimethylfuran;

combining 2, 5-dimethylfuran with ethylene to produce para-xylene;

oxidizing para-xylene to produce terephthalic acid; and

terephthalic acid is polymerized with ethylene glycol to produce polyethylene terephthalate.