Photocatalytic conversion of sugars to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural using aluminium(III) and fulvic acid

5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a valuable and essential platform chemical for establishing a sustainable, eco-friendly fine-chemical and pharmaceutical industry based on biomass. The cost-effective production of HMF from abundant C6 sugars requires mild reaction temperatures and efficient catalysts from naturally abundant materials. Herein, we report how fulvic acid forms complexes with Al 3+ ions that exhibit solar absorption and photocatalytic activity for glucose conversion to HMF in one-pot reaction, in good yield (~60%) and at moderate temperatures (80 °C). When using representative components of fulvic acid, catechol and pyrogallol as ligands, 70 and 67% HMF yields are achieved, respectively, at 70 °C. Al 3+ ions are not recognised as effective photocatalysts; however, complexing them with fulvic acid components as light antennas can create new functionality. This mechanism offers prospects for new green photocatalytic systems to synthesise a range of substances that have not previously been considered. 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is an essential platform chemical for developing a sustainable fine-chemical industry but cost-effective production of HMF requires mild reaction temperatures and efficient catalysts. Here, the authors report a fulvic acid Al complex with photocatalytic activity under sunlight for glucose conversion to HMF in one-pot reaction with good yield.