Direct catalytic synthesis of 5-Methylfurfural from biomass-derived carbohydrates

Abstract

5-Methylfurfural (MF), an important chemical intermediate, can be obtained directly from carbohydrates using a metal catalyst, hydroiodic acid, and hydrogen in a biphasic reaction procedure. The catalyst system is robust and can be recycled without loss of reactivity. © 2011 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.