Influence of Dimethylsulfoxide and Dioxygen in the Fructose Conversion to 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Mediated by Glycerol's Acidic Carbon

Both the catalytic production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) from carbohydrates and the use of a catalyst obtained from residues stand out for adding value to by-products and wastes. These processes contribute to the circular economy. In this work it was evaluated optimized conditions for 5-HMF production from fructose with high yield and selectivity. The reaction was catalyzed by an acidic carbon obtained from glycerol, a byproduct of the biodiesel industry. Special attention has been given to the use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a solvent and its influence on system activity, both in the presence and absence of O . Glycerol's carbon with acidic properties can be effectively used as catalyst in fructose dehydration, allowed achieving conversions close to 100% with 5-HMF selectivities higher than 90%. The catalyst can be reused in consecutive batch runs. The influence of DMSO in the presence of O should be considered in the catalytic activity, as the stabilization of a reaction intermediate by the [O :DMSO] complex is favored and, both fructose conversion and 5-HMF yield increase.