Conversion of fructose and glucose into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural with lignin-derived carbonaceous catalyst under microwave irradiation in dimethyl sulfoxide-ionic liquid mixtures

► Lignin-derived carbonaceous catalyst (LCC) was synthesized for the production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF). ► 5-HMF yield from fructose increased from 61% to 82% as weight ratio of DMSO/[BMIN][Cl] increased from 0 to 4/6. ► Eighty-four percent 5-HMF yield with 98% fructose conversion rate was achieved at 110 °C for 10 min. ► Sixty-eight percent 5-HMF yield with 99% glucose conversion rate was obtained at 160 °C for 50 min. ► Slight -SO3H in LCC was leached during recycles, 76% 5-HMF yield from fructose was obtained even after five recycles.