Polymeric Ionic Hybrid as Solid Acid Catalyst for the Selective Conversion of Fructose and Glucose to 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural

The dehydration of fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in the presence of a SO3H-functionalized heteropolyanion-based polymeric hybrid catalyst is investigated. Poly(1-vinyl-3-propane sulfonate imidazolium)-H3PW12O40 [poly(VMPS)-PW], a supported ionic liquid catalyst (SILC) was prepared and used as a heterogeneous Bronsted acidic catalyst. We demonstrate that an 83% yield of HMF can be obtained at 130 degrees C after 60 min using DMSO as the solvent, under atmospheric pressure. The catalytic scope of poly(VMPS)-PW is studied by using it as a catalyst for the dehydration of glucose. We demonstrate that the catalyst is also suitable for conversion of glucose to HMF, with a yield of 26% under mild conditions. Moreover, the acidic hybrid catalyst is easily separated from the reaction mixture by centrifugation. The ability to recycle the catalyst is demonstrated and poly(VMPS)-PW is reused five times without significant loss of activity.