Conversion of fructose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and its derivatives promoted by inorganic salt in alcohol Original Research Article

The conversion of d-fructose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) on a 1 mmol scale was achieved in good yield (68%) using NH4Cl as catalyst in isopropanol at 120 °C. About 3% of 5-i-propoxymethylfurfural was formed. The reaction in ethanol at 100 °C on a 10 g scale gave a total yield of HMF and 5-ethoxymethylfurfural of 42%. No mineral acid such as H2SO4 and HCl are required.