Microwave Assisted Synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural Using Mild Reaction Conditions

Abstract

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) is an important platform molecules, being a green precursor for a variety of high performance fuels and valuable chemicals. The production of 5-HMF from fructose under microwave-assisted heating conditions by varying different parameters (catalyst, temperature, stirring rate and reaction time) was studied. Microwave assisted synthesis leads to a shorter reaction time (40 min versus 150 min for conventional method) and the energy consumption is lower compared with the conventional method. Homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts were tested. Although homogeneous catalysis produced the highest conversion of fructose to 5-HMF, ion exchange resins are preferable for industrial development and the best results were obtained for Dowex resin.