(726e) Production of 2,5-Furan Dicarboxylic Acid (FDCA) in Ionic Liquid Media

2,5- furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is a bio-based monomer for polyethylene furanoate (PEF), a viable replacement for fossil-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In this work, results from conversion of fructose to FDCA in a biphasic ionic liquid (IL)/Ï’-valerolactone (GVL) system, will be reported. Fructose is dehydrated to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) in an acidic ionic liquid while simultaneously extracted into the immiscible GVL at high yields. The GVL environment also stabilizes the thermally-sensitive 5-HMF and facilitates catalytic oxidation of HMF to FDCA. This presentation will discuss results from catalyst screening studies. Reaction rate, product yield and catalyst reuse data will be presented.