High efficiency of superacid HF–SbF5 for the selective decrystallization–depolymerization of cellulose to glucose

Abstract

Herein, we show that after polyprotonation, superacid HF–SbF₅ is able to selectively depolymerise cellulose to water-soluble carbohydrates with 68 wt% yield of glucose. This process is efficient at low temperature, thus avoiding the formation of side products as commonly observed with conventional acids.