Glucose dehydration to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural on zirconium containing mesoporous MCM-41 silica catalysts

- Zirconium doped mesoporous MCM-41 silica is active in dehydration of glucose at 175 °C.
- The catalytic reaction is very selective to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF).
- HMF is not rehydrated to produce levulinic acid.
- The catalyst can be reutilized as least during three cycles.