Selective conversion of fructose into 5-ethoxymethylfurfural over green catalyst

In this study, selective formation of 5-ethoxymethylfurfural (EMF) from one-pot conversion of fructose in a co-solvent of ethanol with tetrahydrofuran over green SO3H-CD carbon was investigated for the first time using an ultrasonic system. The maximum EMF yield of 74% with 100% fructose conversion was achieved in mild conditions. Moreover, the better selectivity and the longer recyclability (eight cycles) for EMF production via particular reactions such as fructose dehydration and etherification were obviously found while the formation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfual, ethyl levulinate or humins was inhibited using SO3H-CD carbon, comparing to commercial catalysts such as Amberlyst-35, SiO2-Tosic acid and Al2O3. [GRAPHICS] .