A sweet flow: HMF production and in situ valorization into valuable nitrile-containing compound via telescopic flow chemistry

Added on:
21 Apr, 2026

A biorefinery strategy is reported, applying telescopic flow chemistry for the efficient conversion of sugar-derived biomass, specifically D-fructose, into valuable nitrile-containing compounds. The approach relies on the use of Task-Specific Solid Ionic Liquid Phases (TS-SILPs), designed at the molecular level to integrate the stabilizing properties of ionic liquids and dimethyl sulfoxide within a solid-phase solvent system. These materials facilitate the stabilization of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and its key intermediates, thereby enhancing both its synthesis and downstream transformations. The solid-state nature of the TS-SILPs enables the development of a liquid–solid–liquid continuous flow configuration, which simplifies separation, allows for its continuous separation and reuse, and enables the synthesis and telescopic transformation of HMF into different derivative products. This methodology streamlines unit operations and aligns with principles of green chemistry, demonstrating the potential of designing multifunctional supported solvents as media to advance sustainable biomass valorization through integrated continuous processing.

  • Sánchez-Velandia J1
  • Annatelli M1,2
  • Tinajero C3
  • Zanatta M3,4
  • Sans V3
  • Aricò F5
  • García-Verdugo E1
  •   1Supramolecular and Sustainable Research Group, Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Orgánica, Universidad Jaume I, Castellón, España
  • 2Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Venice, Italy
  • 3Institute of Advanced Materials (INAM), Universitat Jaume I (UJI), Avenida de Vicent Sos Baynat, S/n, Castellón, España
  • 4Departament de Química Física i Analítica, Universitat Jaume I, Avda Sos Baynat s/n, 12071 Castellón de la Plana, Spain
  • 5Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Venice, Italy
HMF production and in situ valorization into valuable nitrile-containing compound via telescopic flow chemistry
Read the publication that featured this abstract