Heteropolyacid catalyzed conversion of fructose, sucrose, and inulin to 5-ethoxymethylfurfural, a liquid biofuel candidate

► H3PW12O40 was found to be an effective catalyst for 5-ethoxymethylfurfural synthesis. ► High 5-ethoxymethylfurfural yield of 76% was obtained from fructose. ► The fructose moieties in sucrose and inulin can also convert selectively. ► H3PW12O40 can be reused without significantly loss of activity.