AbstractConversion of lignocellulose into useful chemicals is an important research topic in the area of biomass utilization. In this study, microcrystalline cellulose (MC) was dissolved in a mixed-solvent system containing the ionic liquid (IL) 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Amim]Cl) andN-methyl-pyrrolidone (NMP), and the cellulose was directly converted into methyl glucoside (MG) by acid-catalyzed methanolysis aided by microwave irradiation (μWIr). Under moderate reaction temperature and pressure, and in the presence of acetyl chloride/methanol (in situformed HCl) as an acid catalyst, MG was obtained in a 42% yield. In contrast, in the absence of either IL or μWIr, the MG yield was only 5 or 21%, respectively. Both μWIr and the dissolution of cellulose in IL were quite effective for the conversion of cellulose into MG.