Selective conversion of D-fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural by ion-exchange resin in acetone/dimethyl sulfoxide solvent mixtures

Abstract

Catalytic dehydration of D-fructose to 5-Hydroxymemylfurfural (5-HMF) in acetone/dimethyl sulfoxide solvent mixtures was studied in the presence of a strong acidic cation-exchange resin catalyst (DOWEX 50WX8-100) by microwave heating. The addition of acetone to me dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solvent promoted die formation of 5-HMF from D-fructose. For a D-fructose conversion of 97.9%, the 5-HMF selectivity was 91.7% for a 20-min reaction time in 70:30 (w/w) acetone/DMSO solvent mixtures. Concentrations as high as 10 wt % D-fructose were studied, for which it was found that 5-HMF yields of 82.1% for a reaction time of 10 min could be obtained. The stability of the ion-exchange resin used as the catalyst was confirmed. Compared to pure DMSO solvent, the combination of low-boiling-point acetone with DMSO used as me reaction medium not only gives highly selective 5-HMF formation, but also improves the separation efficiency and reduces environmental risk. © 2008 American Chemical Society.