Catalytic selective etherification of hydroxyl groups in 5-hydroxymethylfurfural over H4SiW12O40/MCM-41 nanospheres for liquid fuel production

▸ Selective etherification of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 5-ethoxymethylfurfural (EMF). ▸ H4SiW12O40/MCM-41 nanospheres show 84% selectivity to EMF under mild conditions.▸ The acidity of catalyst significantly affects catalytic activity. ▸ Recycling catalyst for five successive cycles caused no apparent loss in activity. ▸ HMF-dimer as intermediate can be further transformed into the main product, EMF.