Combined Function of Bronsted and Lewis Acidity in the Zeolite-Catalyzed Isomerization of Glucose to Fructose in Alcohols

Glucose conversion via fructose to useful chemicals and fuels has attracted considerable attention. Isomerization of glucose to fructose can proceed along several different reaction pathways involving different sugar intermediates and isomeric forms. Presently, the roles of the substrate isomeric forms and of the catalyst properties remain incompletely understood. By using NMR spectroscopy, we elucidate the interplay of the catalyst active sites in converting monosaccharide forms to products, byproducts, and intermediates in alcohols.