Catalytic conversion of glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural over SO42−/ZrO2 and SO42−/ZrO2–Al2O3 solid acid catalysts

SO42−/ZrO2 and SO42−/ZrO2–Al2O3 catalysts were prepared by impregnation of Zr(OH)4 and Zr(OH)4–Al(OH)3 with ethylene dichloride solution of chlorosulfonic acid, and characterized by ICP-AES, BET, XRD, NH3-TPD, CO2-TPD and FTIR of adsorbed pyridine. The catalysts were used in the catalytic conversion of glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. An optimized 5-hydroxymethylfurfural yield of 47.6% was obtained within 4 h at 403 K over SO42−/ZrO2–Al2O3 with Zr–Al mole ratio of 1:1. The catalyst with higher acidity and moderate basicity was more favorable for the formation of the target product.