Efficient Conversion of Carbohydrates to 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Over Poly(4-Styrenesulfonic Acid) Catalyst

Synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from carbohydrates was achieved over the homogeneous catalyst acid poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid) (PSS). The various reaction conditions like reaction temperature, reaction time, various solvent, solvent volume, and catalyst dosages were explored. The results showed that the PSS catalyst resulted in 86.8% HMF yield from fructose and 48.5% HMF yield from glucose in solvent 1-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and dimethyl sulfoxide, respectively. The catalyst has reused five cycles without obviously reduced on HMF yield, suggesting that PSS showed high catalytic activity at recycle experiment. Thus, PSS was a potential candidate for homogeneous catalyst acids and can convert carbohydrate compound into HMF conveniently. Graphical Abstract