A combined experimental and computational study of the mechanism of fructose dehydration to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in dimethylsulfoxide using Amberlyst 70, PO43−/niobic acid, or sulfuric acid catalysts

- Three intermediates identified in the acid catalyzed dehydration of Fructose to HMF.
- Experimentally identified intermediates correspond to calculated low energy species.
- Explicit involvement of DMSO solvent demonstrated in intermediate formation.
- Intermediates' structures independent of the catalyst used.