Efficient levoglucosenone production by catalytic pyrolysis of cellulose mixed with ionic liquid

Levoglucosenone is a synthetically valuable and versatile compound that is present as a minor product of cellulose pyrolysis. Here, we report the catalytic pyrolysis of cellulose by mixing with 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium triflate ionic liquid (IL), forming levoglucosenone in high yield. The catalysis of the IL was selectively directed to form levoglucosenone, while the low content of IL (50%) effectively prevented formation of char, leading to a yield near 20% even at 250 °C. The thermally stable IL could be fully recovered from the mixture pyrolyzed up to 300 °C and reutilized for pyrolysis.