Facile Molecular Catalysis for Isomerization of Glucose to Fructose Using KMnO4 in Water

Abstract

AbstractThis research demonstrates the eco‐friendly conversion of glucose to fructose in an aqueous solution of potassium permanganate (KMnO4) via a hydrothermal method. A series of reactions have been completed at different temperatures, times, and concentrations of the catalyst. The examination of the glucose to fructose transformation was determined by using quantitative HPLC, and 13C‐NMR analyses. 29% fructose yield was found with 68% fructose selectivity, at 90 °C for an 8 h reaction in aqueous solution. The catalytic activity of KMnO4 was correlated with its Lewis acidity. The outcomes of these experiments provided a better understanding of sugar transformations in the KMnO4 aqueous solution. The mechanism of glucose isomerization has been proposed based on supporting transformations utilizing Lewis acids for the isomerization of glucose.