Selective Depolymerization of Cellulose to Low Molecular Weight Cello-Oligomers Catalyzed by Betaïne Hydrochloride

This study aims to demonstrate that depolymerization of cellulose can be closely controlled in a reaction media made of betaïne hydrochloride (BHC) and [TBMA]Cl opening the route to low molecular weight cello-oligomers that exhibit a high potential for marketing in the production of surfactants and thickener agents. The main advantages of this process rely on (1) the sustainability of BHC, (2) convenient isolation of cello-oligomers, and (3) recyclability of BHC and [TBMA]Cl. On the other hand, we demonstrate that this work can be also considered as an efficient pretreatment process of cellulose. Indeed, whereas in water cellulose is recalcitrant to hydrolysis, we show here that recovered cello-oligomers can be subsequently readily converted in water to glucose.