Conversion of Fructose into 5‐(Hydroxymethyl)furfural in Sulfolane

Abstract

Sulfolane, an industrial solvent, allows for the efficient conversion of fructose into 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (HMF), a key platform chemical. Yields of ≥90 % are attainable with catalytic HBr in 1 h at 100 °C. The use of an inexpensive catalyst at a low concentration, low temperature, and short reaction time makes the process amenable for large-scale access to HMF.