Patents

The invention relates to a process for chemical conversion of cellulose isolated from aromatic spent biomass to hydroxymethyl furfural using an eco-friendly and economical liquids system with recoverable and reusable solid Indion catalysts and zeolite-phosphomolybdic acid hybrid catalysts. The present invention further relates to the preparation of an effective hybrid catalyst i.e. zeolite-phosphomolybdic acid catalyst for synthesis of HMF. The selectivity and yield of HMF is nearly doubled in zeolite-phosphomolybdic acid hybrid catalyst compared to the individual catalysts (zeolite or phosphomolybdic acid) or combination of catalysts viz. zeolite and phosphomolybdic acid.