Efficient and selective conversion of sucrose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural promoted by ammonium halides under mild conditions

The highly efficient and selective production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) from sucrose has been achieved in the presence of metal chlorides and ammonium halides under mild conditions. Notably, an 87% yield of HMF from sucrose was obtained with a catalyst system composed of CrCl3 and NH4Br at 100 °C for 1.0 h in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) solvent. The effect of the reaction temperature and time was investigated in detail, and a possible mechanism for this catalytic process has been proposed. In addition, NH4Br is an effective promoter in the conversion of glucose and fructose to HMF.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Efficient production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from sucrose is achieved. ► The catalytic system includes ammonium bromide and chromium chloride. ► An 87% yield of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural has been obtained. ► Possible reaction mechanism is proposed.