Microcrystalline cellulose is degraded in 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Amim]Cl) ionic liquid using heteropoly acid H₃PW₁₂O₄₀ as catalyst under the mild environment. The effects of reaction temperature and time, the amount of catalysts and water on the degradation of cellulose have been investigated in details. When using 0.09eq of H₃PW₁₂O₄₀, 0.07 mL of water, ca. 0.6 mmol of microcrystalline cellulose and 2.0 g of [Amim]Cl under microwave irradiation for 30 min at 160℃, 66.8% of total reducing sugar (TRS) yield, 32.8% of glucose yield and 17.6% of the cellobiose yield can be obtained.

microcrystalline cellulose  /  heteropoly acid  /  total reducing sugar  /  glucose