Hydrolysis of Fructose and Glucose Precursors in the Presence of H-form Zeolites1

Abstract

We have recently reported on the advantages of the use of microporous catalysis like zeolites compared to macroporous catalytic systems, like ion-exchange resin, to achieve the selective transformation of fructrose or fructose precursors sucrose or inulin into 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in water as the solvent.^2-4 However, specific properties of the catalyst (controlled acidity, crystallinity, micropore volume) were required for the reaction to take place with a high selectivity.