Optimization of ionic liquids-based microwave-assisted hydrolysis of puerarin and daidzein derivatives from Radix Puerariae Lobatae extract

Ionic liquids-based microwave-assisted hydrolysis was successfully applied for hydrolysis of puerarin and daidzein derivatives from Radix Puerariae Lobatae extract. The ionic liquids with different cations and anions have been investigated, and [Omim]HSO₄ was selected as catalyst. In addition, the hydrolysis parameters, including catalyst quantity, ionic liquids concentration, microwave power and microwave time, were optimized by Response Surface Methodology. The optimal conditions were as follows: 0.82 mol/L [Omim]HSO₄; catalyst quantity, 1.42 mL; microwave time, 7 min; microwave power, 400 W. Under those condition the average hydrolysis efficiency of puerarin and daidzein derivatives was 57.93 ± 3.08%. Compared with the traditional acidic catalysts, the [Omim]HSO₄ exhibited higher efficiency, which demonstrates that ionic liquids-based microwave-assisted hydrolysis was a rapid, efficient, and simple hydrolysis technique.