Metal–organic frameworks as catalysts for fructose conversion into 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural: Catalyst screening and parametric study

Abstract

Hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) is a vital biomass‐derived platform chemical for the production of secondary value‐added chemicals. In this work, fructose conversion into 5‐HMF over metal–organic framework (MOF) has been considered. Several MOF‐based catalysts were synthesized and examined in fructose dehydration into 5‐HMF via a microwave‐assisted reactor. Each MOF's catalytic performance was evaluated concerning its surface area, pore size, and acid density. The results showed satisfactory fructose conversion levels for all studied MOFs in the range of 60%–99%. As a catalyst, zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) resulted in excellent fructose conversion, but interestingly, higher quantities of side products such as formic and levulinic acids were produced. The higher 5‐HMF yields, up to 90%, were obtained over the MIL‐101 (MIL, Materials Institute Lavoisier) family, such as MIL‐101‐SO3H. This result is ascribed to the fact that functionalized MOF possesses hydrothermal stability, high surface area, and suitable pore sizes.