Conversion of fructose and glucose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural catalyzed by a solid heteropolyacid salt

A solid heteropolyacid salt Ag3PW12O40 has been used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from fructose and glucose. The fructose was selectively dehydrated into HMF with the HMF yield as high as 77.7% and selectivity of 93.8% within 60 min at 120 degrees C. In addition, Ag3PW12O40 also exhibited catalytic activity for conversion of glucose into HMF. Moreover, the catalyst is tolerant to high concentration feedstock and can be recycled. The results illustrate that the Ag3PW12O40 is an excellent acid and environmentally benign solid catalyst for the production of HMF from fructose and glucose. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.