Conversion of Cellulose to Hexitols Catalyzed by Ionic Liquid‐Stabilized Ruthenium Nanoparticles and a Reversible Binding Agent

A reversible cellulose binding agent, 1-(4′-(4′′-(2′′′-boronobenzyl)piperazinyl)-2′-butenyl)-3-n-butylimidazolium chloride 1, is synthesized by reacting 2-((4′-allylpiperazinyl)methyl) phenylboronic acid with 3-allyl-1-n-butylimidazolium chloride. 1 is miscible with ionic liquids, and when combined with Ru nanoparticles as a catalyst, cellulose can be converted to polyols under mild conditions. The catalyst can be recycled with sustained activity.