Efficient production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from hexoses using solid acid SO42−/In2O3-ATP in a biphasic system

Efficient and selective production of platform chemical 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from hexoses was achieved in the presence of a natural attapulgite-based catalyst, SO42−/In2O3-ATP. Under optimal conditions, HMF yields from glucose and fructose were 40.2% and 46.2%, respectively.