Factorial design for optimization of microwave assisted synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural

Abstract

Synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) by microwave assisted dehydration of fructose was performed under various operating conditions. A statistical analysis based on a 23 factorial plan was used to optimize the synthesis process. Operating temperature (110, 130 °C), specific mass of HCl catalyst (0.4, 0.6 mg/mgs), and reaction time (8, 12 min) were selected as process factors. A regression equation linking the process performance expressed as 5-HMF yield (7.40-30.60%) to process factors was established. The statistical model emphasized a better performance for higher levels of all process factors.